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Smoking Ban Goes Into Effect Across State

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Sep 11, 2008 2:48 pm US/Eastern

Smoking Ban Goes Into Effect Across State

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― Pennsylvania's new smoking ban is now a law.

The statewide ban went into effect at midnight and applies to many public places, but there are some exceptions.

For example, bars where food accounts for less than 20 percent of revenues will be allowed to have smoking.

Now that the ban is in full effect, both smokers and non-smokers are sounding off about what they think.

"I come in and immediately the difference of being able to walk in this building, into the non-smoking section without smelling all that smoke and having it on you," said Paul Roberts, a non-smoker at Ritter's Diner."

"It's hard in America to tell people what to do, put your values on them, their entitled to their opinion and if they would like to smoke, that's fine," Eileen Gavin, another non-smoker.

"Personally, I think it's discrimination and I think it should be up to the bar and restaurant as to whether they have a smoking section or a non-smoking section," said Nancy Hill, a smoker. "I don't think it's fair to the people who buy cigarettes, we pay a lot of tax money for these cigarettes."

Local health departments will be in charge of enforcing the ban based on reports from the public.

But a Pa. Senator says the fight over the ban isn't over just yet.

Sen. Stewart Greenleaf said he plans to introduce a Bill in January to eliminate exceptions to the new indoor smoking ban.

Fines for violating the ban can range from $250 to $1,000 for repeat offenders.

Stay with KDKA for the latest details.



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