Statewide Smoking Ban Taking Shape

May 8th, 2008, posted by RobHop

Casinos, private clubs and smaller bars and taverns appear to be winning their fights for exceptions from a bill to ban smoking from most indoor facilities in Pennsylvania.

Sources close to talks said all three groups might escape the statewide ban.

But smoking could be banished at restaurants, offices and other workplaces, and public facilities such as stadiums or government buildings.

These are the elements of legislation being developed by a panel of six lawmakers from the state House and Senate.

The committee postponed a meeting Wednesday, but the panel is expected to vote on legislation Monday. Sources said it could go back to the House and Senate next week for votes.

The deal could allow smoking on at least 25 percent of each casino’s gaming floor. Private clubs such as American Legion social halls or Moose lodges could retain smoking areas. And bars and taverns could allow patrons to light up, if they can show state regulators food sales account for less than 20 percent of sales.
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We don't need you!

On May 8th, 2008 faudi said:

Unfortunately, it looks like Pa lawmakers don’t have the guts and decency to treat all citizens equally. If these exemptions pass, PA lawmakers are saying workers in casinos, private clubs, and smaller bars and taverns are expendable. Money is more important than these workers’ health.

It’s a digusting truth;

On May 9th, 2008 Anonymous said:

It’s a digusting truth; however, lets get this version passed and into law. Unfortunately, it appears as though casino, club, and small bar workers, along with their non-smoking customers will have mount a tough and time consuming battle in Harrisburg. The majority of Pennsylvanians cannot wait for our Senates conscience to kick in.