May 17, 2007 6:12 pm US/Eastern
Gov. O'Malley Signs Statewide Smoking Ban Into Law
by Dennis Edwards
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) ―
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Governor Martin O'Malley is expected to sign a statewide smoking ban into law. (File)
CBS
Lawmakers are calling it Smoke-Free Maryland Day.
Governor Martin O'Malley signed a statewide smoking ban into law Thursday alongside Senate President Mike Miller, House Speaker Michael Busch and dozens of other statewide leaders.
Supporters of the bill that has been heavily debated in recent months said it will clear the air in restaurants and bars, when it takes effect in February.
As
Dennis Edwards reports, the measure does not exclude private social clubs like the American Legion.
"What I liked about the bill as it finally came was it was fair across the board so it wouldn't be riddled with exceptions that in essence would put the burden on some establishments and totally exempt others," said O'Malley. "I think it was a fair bill, it's the right thing to do and I was glad to be able to sign it."
Veterans had argued for the right to smoke in private establishments.
"I think the veterans went over there and fought. Why can't they smoke? I think it's very communistic that what you would do in Russia, telling you you can't do this and you can't do that," said Nelson Briley, a war veteran.
Bonita Pennino, of the American Cancer Society, said it was a momentous day for restaurant and bar workers, because they will be protected from second-hand smoke when the law takes effect.
The bill was the hot button issue during the last legislative session.
"This is one of the most difficult issues the committee has to deal with for quite some time in my opinion. I would like Maryland to be the first state in the union to ban the sale of tobacco. We could make California look like the second state," said Economic Matters Chairman Derek Davis.
Busch said Baltimore City's ability to pass a ban was a major factor in influencing the state.
"I think I have to be complimentary of Baltimore City," said Speaker Busch. "I think the fact that Baltimore City passed a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants as well, helped create momentum."
The law does allow bars to apply for an exemption -- if they can prove their businesses suffer financial hardship from the ban.
Details of how the exemptions will work will be hashed out later by state health officials.
At least five counties and Baltimore City had already approved smoking bans.
The smoking ban is one of dozens of bills signed into law Thursday.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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