Panel to Vote on Smoking Ban

Publication Date: 2008-05-01

• Author:Tony DeGol
• Publication:wearecentralpa.com

A panel composed of three members from the Pennsylvania State House and three from the Senate are preparing to vote on smoking ban measures next week.

The compromise bill will address which establishments will be exempted from the law. Public places where smoking is likely to still be legal include "mom and pop" bars where food sales make up less than 20-percent of the revenue, high end cigar bars and sections of casinos.

The panel has also been debating whether or not municipalities should be able to enforce anti-smoking laws that are stricter than the state's. Once the bill is passed by the committee it will move to both legislative houses.