Health — Smoking ban

The Legislature will consider a renewed effort to ban smoking in private businesses across the state. Sen. Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, has taken a failed bill from last year that would have prohibited smoking in bars and private clubs and expanded it to include fraternal lodges and country clubs.

The legislation, SB19, received unanimous support in November from the Health and Human Services Interim Committee. It also received an unexpected boost with the release of an American Lung Association report criticizing Utah for its anti-smoking efforts.

The report gave Utah a "B" grade in the smoke-free air category but noted that the state would receive an "A" with the passage of more restrictive laws than the current Indoor Clean Air Act. The 1995 act bans smoking in public places, but leaves exceptions for private clubs, hotels, fraternal and religious organizations and airport smoking areas.

If SB19 passes, the only exceptions to the act would be waiting areas at the Salt Lake City International Airport and designated hotel/motel rooms.

Nine states have banned smoking in restaurants and bars, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.