Jun 11, 2008 12:02 am US/Eastern
State Smoking Ban Draws Mixed Reaction
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
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Some smokers are fuming while others are OK with the state's smoking ban.
KDKA
Lawmakers in Harrisburg passed a statewide smoking ban which the governor plans to sign. Some people approve of the bill while others are fuming.
"What this legislature has done is said smoking is unhealthy in my restaurant, but perfectly fine in casinos, clubs and little restaurants, because to these politicians, money and power is more important than the public health," James Mitchell, owner of Mitchell's Restaurant in downtown Pittsburgh, said.
He has been on the front lines of this fight since he sued the county after enacting its own ban last year. Most of his clientele has something to say about cigarettes.
"I don't think the government has a right to tell you where you can smoke them. Every bar should have a smoking and non-smoking section and everyone should chose where they are seated," Janet Cammisa, a non-smoker, said.
Lawmakers admit the ban isn't perfect but they claim it would protect about 95 percent of workplaces and public buildings.
John McDowell is a smoker who says he doesn't mind the ban. "It's not such a bad thing. All the other states have passed it. You just have to get used to it going out."
The bill will go into effect 90 days after Gov. Rendell signs it into law.
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