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Supporters Ask Lawmakers To Pass State Smoking Ban

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Jan 30, 2007 5:35 pm US/Central

Supporters Ask Lawmakers To Pass State Smoking Ban

St. Paul (AP) ― Hundreds of smoking opponents descended on the Capitol today to urge a statewide ban on smoking in bars, restaurants and other workplaces.

They were wearing "Smoke Free Minnesota" buttons as they visited lawmakers in their offices and rallied in the Capitol rotunda.

About ten counter-protesters showed up -- some holding signs that said a smoking ban was like Soviet Union-style government.

Lia Nistler of Watkins says a ban would hurt her bar, where about 70 percent of her customers smoke. She predicted layoffs, shorter hours of operations and the loss of business from dart leagues and charitable gambling.

Still, most smoking opponents say a ban should apply to all workplaces -- including bars.

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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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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.)

© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.