Michigan needs ban on smoking

Tuesday, December 23 2008

With the many issues state lawmakers had on their plates -- some considerably more complex and costly to Michigan taxpayers -- it is difficult to believe they couldn't pass a smoking ban.

For much of the year, proposed legislation to prohibit smoking from restaurants and bars lingered in the Legislature. Although lawmakers appeared to overcome the biggest obstacle -- opposition from the Michigan Restaurant Association -- in the end, they fell victim to Detroit's gambling casinos.

The House and Senate passed two versions of the smoking ban. The former included exemptions for the casinos and cigar bars. The latter prohibited smoking in all venues.

Michigan needs ban on smoking continues...