Lawmakers Optimistic About Smoking Ban (AP)

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Lawmakers Optimistic About Smoking Ban (AP)

By Associated Press

Story Created: Jan 8, 2009 at 6:35 AM CDT

Story Updated: Jan 8, 2009 at 10:28 AM CDT

South Dakota House and Senate leaders say they think a smoking ban has a good chance of passing this legislative session.

House Republican Leader Bob Faehn of Watertown says the only people who seem to be against it are bar and restaurant owners.

House Democratic Leader Bernie Hunhoff of Yankton says South Dakotans are reluctant to tell each other how to live. But he says the evidence is overwhelming that secondhand smoke hurts people's health.

Senate Republican Leader Dave Knudson of Sioux Falls says bars and restaurants have continued to flourish in states that have banned smoking. He says average citizens support the proposed ban.

Existing state law prohibits smoking in most places of employment and indoor public areas but makes exceptions for lodging, businesses where alcohol is served and businesses primarily used for the sale of tobacco or alcoholic beverages.

The ban, proposed by the South Dakota Tobacco-Free Kids Network, would eliminate all such exceptions.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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Friday, Jan 9 at 3:47 PM I Love Jesus wrote ...

yeah I think I go along with the guy that says smokers litter, cause it's true they do so they ought to get a fine too! By the way smoking is spelt without an E! LOL

Friday, Jan 9 at 10:40 AM To Ron. wrote ...

It's your God give right? There are so many downsides to smoking, can you name any positives? Wrinkly skin, smelly breath, stinky house and car. Now let's discuss serious effects, cancer, from both smoking & 2nd had smoke, low birth weight and what about emphysema to name a few? Know anyone effected by those? What's worth more to you, some tax $$ or knowing your loved one is healthy?

Thursday, Jan 8 at 11:09 PM IT KILLS wrote ...

SECOND HAND SMOKE DOES KILL, AND SO DOES 3RD HAND SMOKE. WHY ARE SMOKERS SO IGNORANT. WHY DO THEY THINK THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO KILL US AND OUR LOVED ONES! I AM GLAD THAT OUR LAWS ARE CATCHING UP WITH THESE NASTY HABBITS.

Thursday, Jan 8 at 7:22 PM Ron Mitchell wrote ...

If a law is going to ban smokeing in all places then we should just outlaw smokeing period. If its such a health hazard to everyone. Might as well outlaw drinking.People drive and kill other people. So lets all push for this! NO MORE DRINKING AND SMOKEING! Oh wait thants my "GOD GIVEN RIGHT THAT I FIGHT FOR!" And it wont happen anyways because we'll lose all that tax money and then everyones taxes will go up. lol

Thursday, Jan 8 at 5:34 PM SF Non-Smoker wrote ...

I look forward to the day that I can come home from a bar and not have to shower before I go to bed because I smell like an ashtray. The smell lingers into my car, my house & my closet. And to all the smokers who threaten to stop going into bars because they are non smoking- yeah right! I dare you. Keep in mind that people used to be able to smoke in the Empire mall before they banned it, and you don't see people staying away from there. If you're hard up for tobacco, start chewing!

Thursday, Jan 8 at 5:07 PM darylwasmund wrote ...

The comment from Dave Knudson makes me wonder where he gets his information i own a bar in iowa since the ban there business is down 40% and that includes food sales please let the business owners decide if they want to allow smoking or not we all know that smoking will be done someday but let it die because people do not want to smoke or because business will not allow it but not because of more laws what ever happen to the old statement that the goverment that govens less govens best

Thursday, Jan 8 at 4:50 PM Nik wrote ...

Non smokers should have to choose where they go to eat and drink?? What are we in the 1980's? Huh? By not smoking we do not inflict a nasty smelling lung clogging habit on others. It doesn't matter if smokers are "respectful" that is like saying that a drunk driver is being respectful to his friends for not making them take him home. Man, whatever the big tobacco companies are putting in cigarettes these days, must have mind altering brain washing chemicals too. Along with all the others....

Thursday, Jan 8 at 4:19 PM Tom wrote ...

Most smokers just toss their cigarettes on the side walk and out their vehicle windows. People should start calling those in to the police when they see people doing it. It's a $104. fine in Sioux Falls. I don't care if people smoke, but they disrespect public's health and litter all over. Other than that...who cares...the more they smoke..the faster they kick off. lol

Thursday, Jan 8 at 3:09 PM Also a Hyde Co Resident wrote ...

Sorry, but I completely disagree, when you mean respectful do you go outside to smoke? Even if you are smoking in the bar section of the resturant it still filters into the dining area. It's smelly and gross, and I understand it's your choice and I would never come up to you or judge you based on the cigarette hanging out of your mouth, but that doesn't mean I have to enjoy sucking in those fumes while I'm eating.

Thursday, Jan 8 at 2:26 PM responsetohyde wrote ...

You have rights too? yes smoke in your house your car YOUR places not public places. Please keep in mind that smoking does couse cancer and I choose not get smoke so how does it make it right for you to smoke near me? Your rights dont allow you to harm people in anyway. Smoke in your place not ours! Public should be safe and clean. Thats why we dont pee in the pool hyde! Figure it out its simple. Smoking causes cancer, lung disease, etc. SMOKING BAN 2009! PLEASE PASS THE LAW!

Thursday, Jan 8 at 2:15 PM smokes mufflers wrote ...

Yes, let's ban smoking that way all the smokers and their businesses can frequent the Tribal casinos, State Video lottery may suffer but tribes will thrive. Besides when someone's curly hair itches again, the'll be banning exhaust from mufflers claiming second-hand dangers etc etc etc. People in SD are so frivolous, senseless, and empty-headed.

Thursday, Jan 8 at 12:51 PM To hyde county resident wrote ...

You're right in saying that you as a smoker have rights, but what about my rights as a non-smoker and my right to breathe clean air? Why should I have to give up things like bowling and going to the bar with my friends because the places are so filled with smoke? You totally have the right to smoke and pollute your lungs, just do it outside so that I can keep my lungs healthy.

Thursday, Jan 8 at 12:46 PM get off your horses nonsmokers wrote ...

Going to a bar/restaurant where there is smoking permitted is a freedom of choice, In other words you know that you are choosing to enter an establishment where there may be smoking, so don't blame smokers for your choice. IF there were more of a demand for such smoke free places, then why doesn't somebody come up with the idea and open a "Smoke-Free Bar/Restaurant"???? I think that would put an end to all this and also give the consumers a choice as well.

Thursday, Jan 8 at 12:30 PM I Love Jesus wrote ...

This would be the best thing ever!!! To be able to eat in any restuarant and not have to worry about where we sit!! Hope this passes soon!!

Thursday, Jan 8 at 11:43 AM smokefree wrote ...

Ok, why is smoking in public even legal anyways. Is doing other harmful things legal to do in public places? Smoking is a personal right so it many many other things that are not legal to do in public. I am a non smoker so of course I would love to be able to go out to places and not have to get my clothe dry cleaned the next day because they smell terribly of smoke and I would also love to not have to sit by a smoker to play some video lottery with out having a headache the next day!i pray!

Thursday, Jan 8 at 11:38 AM Watching wrote ...

I still think it should be left up to the individual business owner and the consumer. If you don't like the smoking bar then go to one that does not allow smoking and there are plenty to be found.

Thursday, Jan 8 at 9:10 AM Smoke free supporter wrote ...

I hope they are right. The evidence is too overwhelming not to pass such a law. A statewide ban with no exceptions would also create a level playing field for businesses - all bars and restaurants would be treated equally. Plus, I think they'll see business go up when people can enjoy a meal or evening out without being exposed to secondhand smoke.

Thursday, Jan 8 at 8:17 AM hyde county resident wrote ...

Why cant you guys just leave us alone. most smokers try and be respective of others in restaurants that allow smoking. we have rights too. they have not proved conclusivly that second hand smoke is any worse then every day pollution. most of the air in houses during the winter is just as dangerous as smoking. the government has already taxed us to death and no they want us to quit completely. who is going to pay for the anti smoking campains and school funding without our tax dollars

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