Indoor smoking ban in Wisconsin enters into force next year

According to agreement reached in Wisconsin State Senate the state indoor smoking ban in all public places including offices and restaurants would be implemented starting from July 5, 2010.

The corresponding legislation is likely to be approved by both houses of the Wisconsin Legislature next week and would be legally signed by Gov. Jim Doyle.

In conformity with the ban, smoking in all workplaces would be prohibited.  State authorities, health group representatives and chairman of local Tavern Association have reached the agreement on the clauses of legislation that would now certainly have a smooth way while being approved by both Senate and Assembly.  

Smoking ban advocates who stated that the ban is a huge victory for public health. on the other side, opponents, among which were mainly the restaurant owners claimed that the ban would inevitably lead to loss of revenue and even bankruptcy of several taverns related mainly to smokers. 

In accordance with the amendment:

• Smoking in Restaurants, bars, taverns and other establishments that serve food and drinks as well as hotels, hospitals, workplaces and other public buildings would be prohibited starting with July, 2010. The ban exemptions will include casinos located on Indian tribes’ territories and tobacco store. 

• Person caught on breaching the indoor smoking ban by lighting up in workplaces would be subjected to pay a fine varying from $100 to $200.Owners of those establishments where the violation happened would have to pay $100 fine for every offense.   

• County or City governments would not be permitted to approve by-laws more rigorous than the state legislations.  

• Owners of all the eating and drinking establishments are permitted to designate special outdoor smoking zones.

Smoking ban supporters claimed that the statewide regulation is essential in order to remove differences among local legislations, since many Wisconsin counties have already implemented indoor smoking bans. Those legislations would be valid until statewide ban enters into force.

The Wisconsin Tavern Association was one of the main opponents of the bill; however, they managed to find a solution appropriate for state authorities and smoking ban supporters.

The Association Chairman stated that they were pushing for the delay in the ban implementation was vital since it would business owners precious time to get ready for the inevitable change.  

Ban supporters in their turn had been insisting on immediate implementation of the ban, but settled with that delay.

"We wish there would be no delays or exemptions, but we have been satisfied with the agreement,” admitted Chris Morrison, policy advisor of Smoke-Free Kids Wisconsin. "After all we achieved our main aim, the ban would be imposed and Wisconsin people would breathe clean air in restaurants and work places."

Whether the corresponding proposal would be signed into law, Wisconsin would finally join its neighbors Illinois, Minnesota, and Iowa and in implementing smoking bans.

"This legislation will protect all of us from hazards and health complications of exposure to secondhand smoke," added Morrison.  

Governor Doyle communications manager issue a statement backing the conclusion of the agreement between the opponent parts, and naming the agreed proposal ‘fair and equitable’.