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Amended smoking-ban bill would allow bar ventilation

By Mark Brunswick, Star Tribune

Last update: February 19, 2007 - 10:11 PM

Bars would be permitted to install ventilation devices instead of facing an outright ban on smoking after a bill that would have eliminated smoking statewide was significantly amended in a Senate committee Monday.

The amendments, which are likely to be challenged in further committee action, would severely hinder efforts by smoking ban advocates, who are pushing for a statewide ban in bars and restaurants. But even ban opponents quietly acknowledged that the amendments are probably just a blip in the debate on the ban proposal, which enjoys bipartisan support in the House and Senate.

The proposal approved Monday would phase in the requirements for ventilation, depending on how much alcohol the bar sells as a percentage of its revenue.

Another amendment removes a provision that allows counties and municipalities to impose stronger ordinances than any state statute.

Supporters who had hoped for a streamlined process are witnessing their first major hurdle in what is considered the Senate's most business-friendly committee, the Business Industry and Jobs Committee. It rejected a proposal to give bars until 2009 to comply with a full ban.

"This still has a long way to go," said the bill's chief author, Sen. Kathy Sheran, DFL-Mankato.

'No system is adequate'

Whether any ventilation system can effectively filter the harmful effects of second-hand smoke has been a significant part of the debate.

In places like St. Paul, which instituted its own smoking restrictions, some bars and restaurants already have ventilation devices that owners say are effective.

Ban supporters say the carcinogenic effects of second-hand smoke cannot be removed: "No ventilation system is adequate," said Sen. Ron Latz, DFL-St. Louis Park.

The Senate version now heads to at least two other committees before a vote on the Senate floor. The House version, which still proposes an outright ban, also awaits further committee action.

Mark Brunswick • 651-222-1636 • mbrunswick@startribune.com