Tuesday, June 10 2008
An article by By Angela Couloumbis in the
Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the state Senate finally approved the much-debated smoking ban that will restrict cigar, cigarette and pipe smoking in public places.
The bill, which also allows Philadelphia to keep its two-year-old ban on the books, will now be sent to Gov. Rendell, who has said through a spokesman that he intends to sign it.
The bill effectively calls for banning smoking in all public places, but it contains a lengthy list of exemptions for certain workplaces and entertainment venues. They include bars that have 20 percent or less in annual sales of food, as well as cigar bars, tobacco shops and private clubs whose officers agree to it.
Casinos would be permitted to allow smoking in up to 50 percent of their gaming halls - though Philadelphia's law prohibits its two casinos from allowing any smoking, and the legislation passed today will not change that.
Pa. smoking ban clears last hurdle to becoming law
