Bill removes exemptions to indoor ban

Publication Date: 2007-06-19

• Author:Steve Law
• Publication:Statesman Journal, OR

Starting in 2009, Oregonians will have to smoke outside when they go out to eat, drink, play bingo or bowl.

The Senate granted final legislative approval Monday to Senate Bill 571-C, sending the bill to the governor's desk. SB 571-C, which passed 18-12, ends most of the exemptions to an indoor smoking ban enacted in 2001. Restaurants and bars will have time to construct outdoor smoking areas if they are more than 10 feet from the nearest doorway.

Oregon will join 21 other states that have banned smoking in bars and restaurants, plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.