Michigan lawmakers have approved the long-awaited bill to put ban on smoking. With the approval of the bill, smoking is banned in most part of the state with some exceptions.
According to the details, the ban was introduced last year but the bill could not be approved by the Senate as some lawmakers wanted to make Detroit casinos exempted from the ban. On Thursday afternoon, the House agreed to make few changes in the initial draft of the law and after approval sent the final draft to the Michigan state governor Jennifer Granholm. Granholm has welcomed the bill. The governor told the press that the bill be effective from May 2010. According to the draft, the ban will be applicable to all offices, bars, public places like bus stands, restaurants, and all other workplaces. Some places like cigar stores, tobacco bars, Detroit casinos, motor vehicles, and home offices are exempted from the ban.
After Governor Jennifer Granholm’ signature, Michigan will become the 38th American state to ban smoking. Different types of smoking ban have been applied in various parts of the country. Here’s a look at the smoking bans in different states:
- In 33 American states and the District of Columbia, smoking is banned inside state government and local buildings.
- In 24 states and The District of Columbia, smoking is banned in private workplaces. Bars and restaurants are exempted from the ban.
- Smoking in restaurants is illegal in 28 American states and the District of Columbia.
Many have praised the state government’s step to introduce a ban and have called it good for public health. Many residents, however, are not happy with ban on smoking inside restaurants.
Michigan lawmakers have been trying for more than 10 years to introduce this law. Among neighboring states of Michigan, Indiana is the only place where smoking is not banned in any place.
Comments