Smoking-ban bill could pass, Sen. says

Publication Date: 2007-03-02

• Author:Walter Rubel
• Publication:Silver City Sun-News

A bill that would ban smoking in bars, restaurants and most other public indoor environments statewide has the votes needed to pass this year, Sen. Rod Adair, R-Roswell, said Thursday.

The bill passed unanimously and without debate earlier this session in the House. It had passed in the House in 2005 on a 49-12 vote, but was defeated in the Senate.

"It was 22-16 last time, and only one Republican voted for it," Adair said. "This year, I think we've got at least five. So, do the math."

Rep. Al Park, D-Albuquerque, the sponsor of House Bill 283, said the House vote was a "unanimous endorsement" of the bill.

It would ban smoking in nearly all indoor workplaces, as well as the entrances to those buildings. There would be exceptions for private clubs, casinos, bingo halls, private residences not used for child care or adult health care, tobacco stores and manufacturers, limousines for private hire, enclosed areas in bars and restaurants used for private functions and sole-proprietor businesses with fewer than two employees.