Sunday, April 27 2008
by CHARLES THOMPSON, The Patriot-News
PennLive.com - Harrisburg,PA,USA
Glossy magazine ads for a popular brand of cigarettes used to carry the slogan: "I'd rather fight than switch."
In 2008, it could be like that again for Pennsylvania lawmakers who are considering a bill to ban indoor smoking in workplaces, bars and restaurants across the state. They have a choice: Fight for a ban without exceptions or switch to a softer bill, as a good first step.
Don't rule out a fight.
A six-member panel of lawmakers is working to resolve competing bills that passed the state House of Representatives and Senate last year and could release its plan Tuesday. The House-Senate panel is dominated by lawmakers who believe the state should not dictate smoking decisions for business owners or residents.
It likely will push for a plan to continue to allow smoking in casinos, hotels, private clubs and bars where food sales represent only a small portion of total revenue.
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