Feb 12, 2007 6:12 pm US/Central
Smoking Ban Runs Into Opposition
St. Paul (AP) ―
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The sharpest questions came from rural DFL senators, who asked how a ban might affect taverns near state borders and Indian casinos, where state regulations generally don't apply.
CBS
A proposal for a statewide smoking ban entered less friendly territory on Monday during a standing-room-only hearing of the Senate Business, Industry and Jobs Committee.
The panel ran out of time to vote. But some of the questions signaled that the bill will probably be reshaped to accommodate the concerns of bar owners, VFWs and other private clubs. In its current form, it would ban smoking in all Minnesota bars, restaurants and workplaces.
"We're taking rights away from people and I don't like it one damn bit," said Tom Platz, owner of Tom & Jerry's Corner Bar in the southwestern Minnesota town of Sanborn.
The sharpest questions came from rural DFL senators, who asked how a ban might affect taverns near state borders and Indian casinos, where state regulations generally don't apply. King Wilson, who heads a statewide charities association, told them a ban could depress charitable gambling receipts by about 25 percent.
Testimony for the ban came from Sally Reynolds, a singer who said it would protect her voice when she performs at bars and receptions. Kristin Beckmann, a lobbyist for the Service Employees International Union, said a ban could help curb out-of-control medical costs.
Senate Taxes Committee Chairman Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, said a statewide smoking ban should include Indian casinos. He favors exemptions for bars and private clubs and state aid for employees who lose their jobs if a ban hurts business.
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Secondhand smoke is a leading cause of preventable death in the United
States. In 2005, it was estimated that, each year, exposure to
secondhand smoke in the United States kills more than 3,000 adult
nonsmokers from lung cancer and approximately 46,000 from coronary
heart disease.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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