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Statewide ban on smoking unlikely

Publication Date: 2007-07-30
  • Author:Eric Eyre
  • Publication:Charleston Gazette

Legislature exempt from Kanawha smoke-free rule

Kanawha County commissioners plan to vote on a resolution Aug. 9, urging state lawmakers to pass a statewide ban on smoking in public places.

“There ought to be a state law, uniform and consistent,” said commission President Kent Carper.

But don’t expect the proposal to get a warm reception at the state Capitol...

State lawmakers said Friday that the Legislature wouldn’t likely consider statewide smoking rules for at least two or three years.

House Health and Human Resources Chairman Don Perdue, D-Wayne, said many legislators believe county health boards should have the final say on smoking. Other lawmakers don’t want to anger constituents who smoke, Perdue said.

“They believe home rule is always better,” Perdue said. “I think [a statewide smoking ban] will happen some day, but the likelihood of passing that type of legislation now would be very difficult.”

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