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Changes to Smoking Ban Failed
A ban on most public smoking in Illinois is more than a year old, and supporters do not sound as if they are ready to make exceptions.

State Rep. Randy Ramey (R-Carol Stream) says businesses such as casinos and bars -- which cater to adults -- should be allowed to apply for a "smoking license." He says allowing smoking would improve business, particularly in casinos, where revenues in neighboring states – which allow smoking in them – have not fallen as far as they have here.

Ramey says the problem is especially bad in the Chicago area, where enforcement of Smoke Free Illinois seems to be more stringent than in Central and Southern Illinois.

Workplace safety was a large part of the argument in favor of Smoke Free Illinois. Mike Grady of the American Cancer Society says employees may feel their job is at risk if they do not agree to work where smoking is allowed. Besides, he says, "There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke."

HB 1145 has failed to pass the House Environmental Health Committee, 4-9.

(Illinois Radio Network)
03 24 09 by Newsroom
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