Bill would let Scranton renew smoking law

Publication Date: 2008-06-29

• Author:ROBERT SWIFT
• Publication:Scranton (PA) Times-Tribune

A bill allowing the city of Scranton to have a stricter smoking ban than provided under a new state law was introduced Saturday by Sen. Robert Mellow, D-Peckville.

The measure allows Scranton to keep a smoking-ban ordinance that was briefly in effect for five months last year. City officials wouldn't have the option under the bill to change the ordinance to make it weaker.

"My bill respects what Scranton already has in place, and would help the city provide for a cleaner and healthier public indoor air quality," said Mr. Mellow.

The legislation stems from a compromise that led to enactment of a statewide smoking ban earlier this month. Mr. Mellow sought assurances that Scranton and Allegheny County would be treated like Philadelphia, which is being allowed to keep its own smoking ban.