Cigarette and Tobacco News:

Oklahoma bill would ban smoking in restaurants

Read complete story: AP, 2009-02-10
Author: TIM TALLEYReview:
Anti-smoking forces tried to breathe new life into their movement Tuesday by releasing the results of a poll that shows Oklahoma legislation to ban smoking in restaurants and most other public places has lots of public support.

The poll, conducted two weeks ago, showed that 59 percent of those surveyed support a law that would eliminate smoking and smoking sections in public places to protect nonsmokers from secondhand smoke. The poll showed that only 37 percent oppose it.

In addition, more than two-thirds support the right of customers and employees to breathe clean air. Smoking in Oklahoma restaurants is now restricted to separately ventilated rooms.

"Oklahomans want smoke-free restaurants and bars," said Pat Marshall, the director of government relations for the American Cancer Society. "A smoke-free law will increase business for Oklahoma restaurants and bars."

Sen. David Myers, R-Ponca City, said a bill he has authored would ban smoking in all but certain cigar bars and buildings used by veterans groups. He said it is opposed by powerful tobacco lobbyists.

Many Oklahoma restaurants installed separate smoking rooms after the 2003 regulations went into effect. But Myers said only about 120 of the approximately 7,000 restaurants in the state still have separate smoking rooms.

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