One step away from joining 30 other states with public smoking bans, the Pennsylvania state Senate today passed anti-smoking legislation in a whopping 41-9 vote. Governor Ed Rendell said that he will sign the bill. The ban on smoking in most bars, restaurants, schools, arenas, theaters, office buildings and bus and train stations will go into effect 90 days from when the Governor signs it.
a dozen exemptions would ensure that smoking can continue at some smaller bars and taverns, portions of casino floors and private clubs.
Pittsburgh lawmakers are upset that the bill allows Philadelphia to keep its stricter two year old anti-smoking legislation, but does not permit Allegheny County to have one of its own. However, legislation is likely underway to permit both Allegheny County and Scranton to adopt their own measures as well, a move that Gov. Rendell has said he would support.
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