smoke022007
On the homepage
Vikings
Out There
Health care
Deer opener
Amended smoking-ban bill would allow bar ventilation
Print this story
E-mail this story
Save to del.icio.us
Share on Facebook
Share on DiggMore from Politically Connected
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
Recent Politically Connected stories
WH monitoring crackdown in Iran; Obama notes 30th anniversary of US Embassy takeover in Tehran - February 19, 2007
WH monitoring crackdown in Iran; Obama notes 30th anniversary of US Embassy takeover in Tehran - The White House on Wednesday expressed concern about a violent crackdown on anti-government protesters in Iran as President Barack Obama said he wanted the U.S. and Iran to move beyond "suspicion, mistrust and confrontation." More
- House Roll Call: Health care
- Bachmann leads rally opposing health plan
- Tax credit: Home buyers get a second chance
- House Dems unveil health bill, cheered on by Obama
- Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal declares state of emergency to prepare for Hurricane Ida in Gulf
- No guarantees on Senate health bill's public plan
- House Roll Call: How they voted on abortion issue
- Shooter alive; toll: 12 dead, 31 wounded
- AP NewsBreak: NYC mayor's Dem foe might run again
- Details emerge about Fort Hood suspect's history
The Whistleblower blog has moved
The Star Tribune is still blowing the whistle, but our look and location have changed. Click here to get to the new blog. If you want the actual URL, it’s www.startribune.com/blogs/whistleblower.html. Our blog posts will now be easier to search on the web site, but you’ll need to register to post a comment. In the [...]
Recent posts
  No resume? No problem!Create a skills profile in minutes, let a recruiter match you to an open position. Click here to get started. Open positions!A new career awaits. Look through thousands of listings to find your new job. Start now! |
Comment on this story | Be the first to comment | Hide reader comments