Mich. Senate Passes Ban.

[Cigarmark]

State Senate approves public smoking ban



BY CHRIS CHRISTOFF • FREE PRESS LANSING BUREAU • May 8, 2008 LANSING -- The state Senate voted today to ban smoking in public places including restaurants and bars, sending the issue back to the House, which has passed a similar bill.



The Senate vote puts a statewide smoking ban on the verge of final approval and a victory for antismoking advocates who have lobbied for years to ban smoking in public places.
The measure passed on a 25-12 vote. Unlike a similar House bill that passed, the Senate version would extend the smoking ban to casinos and bingo halls.

That could be an issue in the House, where Detroit's casinos had lobbied hard for an exemption to any smoking ban.

The Senate version would not affect American Indian casinos. Several attempts to ban smoking at Indian casinos failed, as opponents cited the sovereignty of Indian tribes and their businesses.

Supporters of the smoking ban, led by Sen. Ray Basham, D-Taylor, framed the bill as a health issue for workers in bars and restaurants who are exposed to secondhand smoke.

Sen. Bruce Patterson, R-Canton Township, echoed some other Republicans, saying he once opposed a statewide smoking ban but had changed his mind because of a second report by the U.S. Surgeon General that found secondhand smoke to be a public health hazard.

"I'm now on the right side of the issue," Patterson said.

[Little General]

That sucks....

[olotti]

As if we don't have enough problems in this hell hole of a state. Sure this is going to make everything alll better.

[Cigarmark]

From what I was told by the Camacho rep. this would even include B&M's!

[jagmqt]

This is a done deal...that sucks...the only issue is how fast and any last minute riders...

It's back in the House for an argument over a casino exception...I'll try to find some staffers or Rep.s tonight to see if there are any other excpetions in the works...

jag

Edit: MI House Bill 4163 (2007)...there is a cigar bar and shop exception (currently) but it's pretty strict...

You can see the bill at www.michiganlegislature.org

The front page of the site has a "Bill Search" feature...

jag

[BengalMan]

The bill that passed the House five months ago would have exempted casinos, bingo halls, horse tracks, cigar bars and smoke shops from the ban. The Senate stripped those provisions in favor of banning smoking in all workplaces -- though American Indian casinos likely would be exempt because many state laws don't apply there because of tribal sovereignty. "

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/c...0,371410.story

I was with Tom when the news hit and needless to say him and I were pounding the phones. Doesn't look good though.....

[tallypig]

Geez-and I thought all of the idiots were here in the Florida Legislature.... Good luck guys.

[uncballzer]

Originally Posted by Cigarmark

Sen. Bruce Patterson, R-Canton Township, echoed some other Republicans, saying he once opposed a statewide smoking ban but had changed his mind because of a second report by the U.S. Surgeon General that found secondhand smoke to be a public health hazard.

"I'm now on the right side of the issue," Patterson said.

coughcough

[DETROITPHA357]

This is going to hurt us more then they realize but the H#LL with them and there I got a few private places were we would still be able to get together and do what we do. This is not good for us at all

Any1ever charter a SpaceShip for a out of this world herf

[bmwe28m5]

Michigan is a complete mess, government wise. Any Michiganders remember the proposal to give iPods to all school children? Crazyness. At least Michigan has one of the most stringent welfare programs in the nation, thanks to Engler.


I know my local B&M is way over-taxed on so many different levels, I dont know how he keeps from going insolvent.

[hk3]

Geezow... ....like the damn 32% tobacco tax on top of the 6% sales tax isn't bad enough.

[sailchaser]

Why don't they Ban orange barrels instead


they just showed the smoking ban on the news

[ScottishSmoker]

Again...why do people vote Democrat?

[z3ro]

This is how it is in AZ now. It sucks, i used to love to go to the local pool hall, drink a beer, shoot some pool, and smoke. And now i cant do that. I cant even smoke in a bar. effin sh1ttie

[Thillium]

McDonalds is extremely bad for your health to...I don't see them banning that anytime soon....