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AJC.com > Legislature > Georgia Beat > Archives > 2005 > March > 31 > Entry
Statewide smoking ban approved
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Senate gave final approval today to a statewide ban on smoking in most enclosed public places that allow minors.
The legislation will allow smoking in bars and restaurants that do not serve customers younger than 18 or employ anyone younger than 18. Protecting children and employees from the hazards of secondhand smoke is the intent of the bill, lawmakers said.
Eleven states have banned smoking in public places; four of them, including Florida, still allow smoking in most bars.
The bill wouldn’t affect the two dozen municipalities across Georgia that already have passed local smoking ordinances. For example, Decatur’s all-out ban on smoking in indoor public places and workplaces begins Friday. For nine months the city had allowed smoking only after 9 p.m. in most of restaurants and bars.
Under the bill, smoking still would be allowed at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, outdoor sports venues, retail tobacco shops and outdoor places of employment. The hotels could designate up to 20 percent of their rooms for smoking.
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