FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Ken Smith D-Lackawanna www.pahouse.com/kSmith

  Smith backs proposed smoking ban compromise bill

HARRISBURG, June 4 – State Rep. Ken Smith, D-Lackawanna, today voted for the version of a statewide smoking-ban bill (S.B. 246) that emerged from a House-Senate conference committee. The House of Representatives passed the measure.  

Smith said the conference committee voted 5-1 to advance the legislation, which would provide limitations on where public smoking is allowed at various locations in Pennsylvania.

"As a restaurant owner, it is important that I help to protect the health and welfare of my patrons and workers from secondhand smoke," Smith said. "I wish the original bill containing fewer exceptions would have passed, but if there is anything I have learned as a state representative, it is the art of compromise. We are moving Pennsylvania forward for our people."

The compromise would prevent smoking in restaurants and other public places and work locations.

However, the Lackawanna County legislator said smoking still would be allowed in bars, some hotel rooms, private clubs and specific areas of casinos.

Philadelphia's current local ban would remain in place.

There are 16 states with smoking bans, including the neighboring states of New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Delaware.

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