MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – May 11, 2007 – The Senate passed a comprehensive statewide smoking ban in bars and restaurants 43-21 Friday. The House is also expected to vote on the measure.

Thursday night lawmakers made a few minor changes to the bill with the most significant one being to delay the implementation date until Oct. 1 instead of Aug. 1.

The bill also includes some new language clarifying the fact that the Freedom to Breath Act does not prohibit smoking patios outside of restaurants, bars and bingo halls, but it also doesn’t prevent local governments from enacting such restrictions.

Other additions included allowing smoking in buildings on family farms and by actors onstage as long as the audience is notified.

“These additions don’t change the fact that this is a strong smoke-free law. Legislator's should vote for this version of the bill and protect the health of workers and the public,” said Dave Renner, MMA director of state and federal legislation.

On Tuesday, members of a conference committee approved a strong Freedom to Breathe Act. After meeting for 16 hours, the conference committee, composed of state representatives and senators, removed smoking ban exemptions that made it a weaker ban and had been added to the bill in the House.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty has said he would sign a smoking ban if it reached his desk.

The conference committee negotiated a compromise position between the House and Senate versions of the bill. The House prevailed by fighting off preemptive Senate language that would have crippled local governments ability to regulate patios and outdoor air. The Senate held firm and fought off excessive House exemptions allowing smoking rooms.

The Minnesota Medical Association appreciates the Legislators willingness to listen to majority of Minnesotans who want to make the state a healthier place by having smoke-free bars and restaraunts.

Source: Minnesota Medical Association E-mail Newsletter