Apr 26, 2007 6:41 pm US/Central
House Begins Debate On Statewide Smoking Ban
by Pat Kessler
St. Paul (WCCO) ―
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The bill would let bars go to local governments for permission to let smoking continue in their establishments. (File)
CBS
The mere mention of the words smoking ban is sure to bring forth a number of opinions. The state Senate has already passed a bill calling for a statewide ban on smoking, and now House is debating a ban.
Both bans call for no smoking in bars, restaurants, private clubs, bingo halls and taxis. But the House version will allow smoking in bars that were given exemptions by their city. The Senate version will allow smoking only on outdoor patios.
Smoking ban supporters say it's a worker safety issue. Making it illegal to smoke in bars and restaurants is a measure to protect bartenders and servers from second hand smoke.
"We're not telling smokers they cannot smoke. We're telling smokers that they can't give their second hand smoke to other people in public places," said Rep. Dan Severson from Sauk Rapids.
Supporters of a smoking ban predict no economic impact, but many don't believe it. They predict it will shut down small businesses in small towns all around the state.
There have been numerous economic studies that measure sales tax receipts in places that have smoking bans. They show that smoking bans do not hurt business overall. There is some evidence however, that some smaller bars do struggle.
"It will affect workers lives. it will affect the blood, sweat and tears that have been put into establishing a business by legitimate business owners," said Rep. Mark Buesgens from Jordan.
The bill does let local governments sanction ventilated smoking rooms for hometown bars. Where customers can smoke but employees cannot enter. Opponents of the ban suggested the legislature should also change the words to the Star Spangled Banner.
"Because it's no longer going to be the land of the free and the home of the brave. It's going to be the land of the regulated and the home of the prohibited," said Rep. Larry Howes from Walker.
The House bill that is being debating right now is different and not as strict as the Senate version, so the House and Senate would have to work it out in a conference committee. Governor Tim Pawlenty says he will sign a statewide smoking ban into law.
The bill would punish violations by smokers and proprietors with fines of up to $300. It wouldn't affect smoking in private homes or cars, hotel rooms or cigar shops.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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