by KYW's Tony Romeo
The Pennsylvania state legislature has approved a compromise bill to outlaw smoking in most workplaces and public spaces in Pennsylvania. The state Senate voted 41-9, sending the bill to governor Ed Rendell to be signed into law.
There was a compromise last week (related story) that seemed to fall apart (related story). The House passed the compromise committee report but a problem cropped up in the Senate. Members there, mostly Democrats, were upset that the law would allow Philadelphia to keep its own local smoking restrictions but Allegheny County (including Pittsburgh) and Scranton would not.
But on Tuesday, the Senate agreed to go ahead with the statewide anti-smoking law, saying they received a pledge from state Republican leaders to work on subsequent legislation to address the Allegheny County and Scranton issues.
The bill was stalled for a year before the House approved it last week.
Rendell has advocated a smoking ban as a way to reduce health care costs, and plans to sign the bill. It would take effect 90 days after being signed into law, banning cigarette, cigar, and pipe smoking in restaurants, office buildings, schools, sports arenas, theaters, and bus and train stations.
A dozen exemptions would ensure that smoking can continue at some bars and taverns, portions of casino floors, private clubs, and elsewhere.
More than 30 other states have approved some type of statewide smoking ban.
E-Mail Story
Print Story
