Sep 8, 2008 6:33 am US/Eastern
Pittsburghers Prepare For Statewide Smoking Ban
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
Pennsylvania's smoking ban is set to take effect later on this week.
That means there won't be anymore smokers sitting around places like Ritter's Diner in Shadyside come Thursday.
The ban will prohibit smoking in bars and restaurants where food sales don't exceed 20 percent of the total revenues and other public places as well, like diners.
"I think it's crazy," said Frank Tennerelli, of Sheraden. "You know, like, they're going to let some bars and some places have smoking … and no restaurants allowed to have smoking? I own a restaurant myself and almost everyone that comes in there smokes, and they're going to be upset. But what are you going to do?"
Unlike efforts in the past, this is a statewide act, which means it's not just Allegheny County going smoke free, but every county.
"There are bars that are non-smoking so if you choose to be a non-smoking bar that's one thing, but I don't think the state, or the government, should be able to tell someone what they can do with their own property," added Michael Pettus, of Wilkinsburg.
As far as enforcement goes, local health departments will be given that task, which will be based on consumer complaints. Fines for violating the ban can range from $250 to $1,000 for repeat offenders.
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