Heineman signs smoking ban

Publication Date: 2008-02-26

• Author:AP
• Publication:Lincoln Journal-Star

Gov. Dave Heineman on Tuesday signed into a law a statewide smoking ban that will go into effect in June 2009, outlawing smoking in bars, restaurants and most other workplaces.

In the end, public health concerns trumped those of business owners who have said they have the right to let patrons partake in a legal activity.

"In weighing the merits of this bill, I took into account the valid concerns about local control and the rights of business owners, as well as the health concerns and the rights of the public to clean indoor air," Heineman said in a statement. "The public health concern is a critical one, and that is why I signed" the law.

Under the new law, cities and counties won't be able to opt out of the ban. The ban will apply to smoking in all workplaces in the state except for retail tobacco shops and places where smoking research is done.