Pawlenty signs smoking ban legislation
Minnesota's long march to a public smoking ban finally reached an end Wednesday, outside a restaurant, right where smokers will have to take their habit starting this fall.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty signed the so-called "Freedom to Breathe Act" that had been a top priority of antismoking advocates for years, making Minnesota the 20th state to ban smoking in bars and restaurants.
"We will look back on this legislation 10 years from now and say, `Of course -- we should have done it sooner,"' said Pawlenty. He called it "a proud and good day for Minnesota."
Smoking will become illegal in bars, restaurants, bowling alleys, VFWs, American Legions, country club lounges and other establishments as of Oct. 1. The ban also covers public buses, trains, taxis, limousines and transit shelters and terminals.
Minnesota led the nation with its 1975 Clean Indoor Air Act, which limited public smoking to designated areas. The push for a statewide smoking ban goes back to 2000, when Moose Lake became the first Minnesota city to adopt a local ban. Seven counties and 10 cities followed.
The Republican governor predicted that the statewide ban would bring "tremendous health benefits," even though critics have said it will hurt taverns and establishments that sit near Minnesota's borders and Indian casinos, where the state law won't apply.
Naysayers were nowhere to be found at Granite City Food & Brewery, a clean, modern restaurant where smoking will still be allowed at the bar for another 4 1/2 months. CEO Steve Wagenheim said dealing with various smoking regulations at the chain's 18 Midwestern locations is a headache, and most customers are happy to eat in a smoke-free environment.
"This county-by-county smoking ban was ridiculous," Wagenheim said.
The president of the Minnesota Medical Association, Dr. G. Richard Geier, said in a statement that the ban was the most important step for public health in more than 30 years.
But Jim Farrell, head of the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association, said health advocates went overboard and will end up putting some bars out of business -- particularly in counties poised to adopt or implement strict outdoor smoking regulations.
"It went from being about health to just being mean and sticking it to bars," Farrell said.
Outdoor smoking is still permitted under the statewide smoking ban, unless local ordinances restrict it. Smoking is also allowed in private homes and vehicles, hotel and motel rooms, truck cabs, farm vehicles and buildings, locked psychiatric wards, tobacco shops, Indian ceremonies and on stage for actors performing in plays.
Violations will carry fines of up to $300 for smokers and proprietors who knowingly allow smoking at their establishments. Most of the enforcement will fall to proprietors, who will be required to ask patrons to stop smoking and ask them to leave if they don't.
Local governments are still free to pass stricter anti-smoking ordinances.
