LANSING – Michigan has moved one step closer to having a statewide, workplace smoking ban with the news that a leading Republican lawmaker has the votes to approve such a bill, the Detroit News reports. The bill would exempt Detroit casinos, cigar bars and tobacco stores from the smoking ban.
State Senate Appropriations chairman Ron Jelinek said the Senate would discuss the smoking bill this week with his proposed amendment that would let people smoke in the city’s casinos, cigar bars and smoke shops. The amendment prohibits smoking in casino hotels and restaurants, but permits it on the casino floor.
“Yes, I think we can get the votes,” said Jelinek, who also pointed out that the legislation should pass the House, too. House Speaker Andy Dillon said that the smoking ban legislation is one of his top three legislative items to complete before the holiday recess begins Dec. 17.
However, the bill has its detractors. The Michigan Licensed Beverage Association is against a smoking ban, but if one passes, it would prefer one with no exceptions. Currently, 6,000 Michigan bars and restaurants do not allow smoking, so the group wonders why a ban is needed.
If a complete smoking ban were enacted, Jelinek said the city could shed 8,000 jobs because cigar bars and tobacco shops would be forced out of business.