Lawmaker to pursue statewide smoking restrictions
Lawmaker to pursue statewide smoking restrictions Save Email Print
Indianapolis, IN
Posted: 7:26 AM Nov 15, 2008
 Last Updated: 7:26 AM Nov 15, 2008
 Reporter: The Associated Press
4 comments
A | A | A

The chairman of Indiana's House Public Health Committee wants legislation to ban smoking in almost all enclosed public places in the state, including restaurants, bars, bowling alleys and casinos.

Democratic Rep. Charlie Brown of Gary calls it a public health issue. He says his primary aim is protecting the health of nonsmokers.

Opponents include the Indiana Licensed Beverage Association, which represents about 700 bars, restaurants and taverns. And the Casino Association of Indiana, which represents 12 of Indiana's 13 casinos, will seek an exemption. Both organizations say smoking bans would hurt business.

Brown filed a bill last session that would have banned smoking in most enclosed public places, with exceptions for bars, bowling alleys, casinos and pari-mutuel horse racing venues. The bill got a very brief hearing before the House Public Policy Committee, but no vote was taken.
More Stories
Pro-Sunday alcohol sale group gets active again

State senator calls for school funding study

US judge vacates verdict in S. Indiana triple slayings

Purdue proposes 5 percent tuition increase

 Budget includes pilot program for virtual schools

Park Service says Indiana Dunes water safe

Police: Postman shot while confronting bank robber

California man dies after arrest at Shelbyville casino
Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
By posting this comment I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy:
You must agree to the Terms of Service to continue.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: UhaveNOclue Location: Elkhart on Nov 16, 2008 at 07:10 PM
Hey,Rep.Charlie Brown,as Gary is the murder capital of the state, I can see how much you worry about people's health!Get off it, you want a state-wide ban? Can't wait to see you ban sales as well, and see who pays for HIP-probably Heather! We can all get our cigs from Indian Reservations, lots cheaper anyway. And, you can see your small mom& pops restaurant businesses dwindle like those in Elkhart & St Joe counties.All the real problems in the state:no jobs, home foreclosures,meth Labs, school dropouts,etc and you are beating this dead horse?Glad you aren't my Rep, I wouldn't vote for you for dog catcher!
Posted by: Heather on Nov 15, 2008 at 07:37 PM
How can I help!? I would like to become an advocate.
Posted by: Anon on Nov 15, 2008 at 07:09 PM
Are you going to ban it from our homes next? I bet that will be the next step in this great country of ours!!!
Posted by: Irish Location: Tustin, CA on Nov 15, 2008 at 05:19 PM
The bars and restaurants can deal with it; California bars and restaurants complained for a while but they got over it and business did not suffer. Go outside if you want to smoke.

WNDU News Poll
There are currently no active polls at this time.
Click here to view other polls on our site and past poll results.
Most Popular Headlines