Senate Business and Labor Committee Supports Legislation Expanding Smoking Ban

State Sen. David Myers said he was extremely pleased to win the support of the Business and Labor Committee on Monday. His legislation, Senate Bill 1875, would lift exemptions included in the 2003 law banning smoking in public places.

“I know this is just one step, and we have a long way to go, but this is a good start,” said Myers, R-Ponca City. “Too many Oklahomans are facing unnecessary health risks because of secondhand smoke. It kills hundreds of our citizens every year. They need our help.”

Myers told committee members Monday morning that 27 other states and several other countries have already enacted bans on public smoking with no negative impact on business.

“I know that some restaurants have created special non-smoking areas, but that doesn’t protect the employees that must work in those rooms, or the children of diners in those areas,” Myers explained.

Under his legislation, no new or existing restaurant would be able to add a designated smoking room after July 1, 2008. Establishments that currently have designated smoking areas would have until March 1, 2013, to become totally non-smoking.

The bill next will be heard by the full Senate.