State senator proposes smoking ban exemption

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: Nov 23, 2008 at 6:54 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 23, 2008 at 6:54 PM MST

HELENA - Montana lawmakers may face more debate on an issue they thought they had settled in 2005: banning smoking in bars and casinos.

Sen. Jerry Black, R-Shelby, is having a bill drafted to permanently exempt some 1,400 bars and casinos from a statewide smoking ban in those establishments as of on Oct. 1, 2009. His proposal would apply only to bars and casinos that sought an exemption by June 30 from the Montana Clean Indoor Air Act.

The law banned smoking in Montana public buildings and indoor workplaces as of October 2005; but it gave bars and casinos four more years to prepare for the ban. Several business people asked Black to submit the bill draft. Black said he isn't sure yet if he'll introduce it, saying it probably has little chance of passing.

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