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AJC.com > Legislature > Georgia Beat > Archives > 2005 > February > 08 > Entry
Senate measure bans smoking in bars, most other public places
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia may soon be a smoke-free state, at least in public places.
A far-reaching measure to ban smoking in virtually all public, indoor areas unanimously passed the Senate Health and Human Services committee Tuesday with little opposition from public or business interests.
Sen. Don Thomas (R-Dalton) introduced the bill, which would prohibit lighting up in restaurants, bars, shopping malls, sports arenas. The committee approved a few minor amendments, including one that would bar residents of nursing homes and long-term facilities from smoking in their rooms, but allow them to smoke in designated areas.
“It’s a strong bill,” Thomas said. “It’s a much needed bill.”
The bill’s next stop is the Senate, where it must be approved before it can move to the House.
Several groups spoke briefly Tuesday in support of the measure, from anti-smoking organizations such as the American Lung Association and the American Cancer Association to business groups, such as the Georgia Restaurant Association.
Several Georgia counties and municipalities have laws restricting smoking in some way. Many restaurant and bar owners say they would prefer a uniform policy so that their competitors won’t have an advantage in luring either smokers or non-smokers.
Michael Hoffer, a member of the Building Owners and Management Association, also spoke in support of the bill, saying many property owners want a uniform policy and clear guidelines.
“Many of us have rules, but it’s very difficult for us to enforce without any back-up legislation,” Hoffer said.
Last year, the Senate approved a similar, though less restrictive, measure in a 45-7 vote, but the measure foundered in the House. Several other states have enacted public smoking bans, including Florida, New York and Massachusetts.
E.C. “Rusty” Kidd, a lobbyist for tobacco giant R.J. Reynolds, asked the committee not to impose regulations on individual rights.
Kay Jackson, the owner of the American Vending Company, a cigarette vending machine company, also spoke against the bill, but said she expected it to pass. She asked the committee to consider compensating her for the loss of business she will experience if the ban goes into effect.
“I see which way this is going,” Jackson said. She added: “This is taking away my living. I don’t want to lose my home. This is what this bill is doing.”
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