Gov. Granholm makes Michigan smoking ban official for bars and restaurants
Most Michigan residents will find their work places, restaurants and bars smoke-free beginning May 1 now that Gov. Jennifer Granholm has signed a smoking ban into law.
But the new law could still face a court challenge, with bars and restaurants affected by the ban arguing it's discriminatory to exempt three Detroit casinos.
The Democratic governor signed the measure Friday at Michigan Brewing Co., a downtown Lansing brew pub that already bans smoking. She said the pub's experience with going smoke-free shows that "you can make a go of it and be very successful, and be healthy as well."
Dozens of smoking ban advocates crowded into the restaurant, erupting into loud cheers when Granholm announced after signing the bill, "It's done!"
"This is the greatest gift we could give the citizens of Michigan because it keeps on giving," said state Sen. Ron Jelinek, a Three Oaks Republican who helped craft the compromise that became law.
The ban applies to all bars, restaurants and work places, including private clubs and fraternal organizations.
The only exceptions are the Detroit casinos, cigar bars, tobacco specialty stores, home offices and motor vehicles. Although smoking will be allowed on casino gambling floors, it will be banned in the casinos' bars, restaurants and hotels.
Thousands of Michigan residents die each year from illnesses caused by secondhand smoke, Granholm said, adding that becoming the 38th state to limit smoking in public places makes a statement that Michigan cares about healthy lifestyles.
Anti-smoking advocates have worked for more than a decade to pass a smoking ban in Michigan. They were ecstatic Friday with the ban finally becoming law.
"Workers across the state are cheering as smoke-free air is finally a law in Michigan," Judy Stewart, Campaign for Smokefree Air campaign manager and government relations director at the American Cancer Society, said in a statement.
But Lance Binoniemi, executive director of the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association, said the ban will cost the state thousands of jobs if it's allowed to stand.
"We have certainly had a lot of concerns, a lot of questions, a lot of uncertainty," he said. "In the next four to six weeks, we're going to take a real serious look at any legal action that we may have a leg to stand on."
One ban the association is focusing on affects St. Louis, Mo., and contains a similar exemption for casinos. Bar and restaurant owners there are challenging the ban in court, Binoniemi said.
The MLBA is still trying to figure out if the ban applies to patio seating and where patrons will be allowed to smoke if they can't smoke inside a bar or restaurant.
"I don't know that even the governor or the Legislature know all those answers either, at this point," Binoniemi said. "It's all new to everyone."
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Comments
Lokalisierung
Mon, Dec 21, 2009 : 2:56 p.m.
"Thousands of Michigan residents die each year from illnesses caused by secondhand smoke, " What a joke.
racerx
Mon, Dec 21, 2009 : 1:52 a.m.
Lance Binoniemi is concerned where smokers will be able to smoke if they can't smoke inside a bar or restaurant? Are you kidding? Umm..home...your car...why should someone's else habit endanger me by breathing in second hand smoke, which by the way Mr. Binoniemi, most research shows has a cause & effect on those who don't smoke. Sheez...it's about time Michigan! Though why not casino's I would have to agree, but private clubs should be able to make their own determination.
ez12c
Sun, Dec 20, 2009 : 12:48 p.m.
" My momma says smoking is bad for you" "Is your momma a licensed and degree research expert"? Say good bye to those cushy oncology jobs.
mferg56
Sun, Dec 20, 2009 : 8:31 a.m.
As I'm writing this, after bowling last night my hair smells like an ashtray, my eyes are still burning, and my coat and clothes are out in the garage because they reek of smoke. My husband and I swore this would be our last year in our bowling league because the smoke is so bad there. I doubt many of the smokers will quit because they will no longer be able to smoke at the bowling alley, and I know people who said they would start bowling again once the ban goes into effect. So basically, this legislation won't hurt this business, and may actually increase their business.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Dec 19, 2009 : 12:35 p.m.
"@Kristine by saving money on the public health expenses it costs to treat smokers?" Interestingly enough there is at least one study that indicates smokers actually cost less in health care in the long run because their life span is significantly reduced from nonsmokers. The study I believe was done in a country with a national health care plan although the specifics fail me at the moment.
stunhsif
Sat, Dec 19, 2009 : 12:28 p.m.
For the first time in my life I agree with Jenny. She finally did something right. I am conflicated over this new law as I generally don't like government telling me what to do but no one should have to be forced into inhaling toxic tobacco smoke. It really comes down to workers (IE: bartenders) deserving a safe environment
Kristine
Sat, Dec 19, 2009 : 10:14 a.m.
Ex-smoker here, and I have a question: How will Michigan make up the lost revenue from cigarette taxes when everyone decides to quit smoking, or at least cut back on their smoking?
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Dec 19, 2009 : 8:47 a.m.
"Hey where did all the tobacco settlement money go for smoking prevention programs I've read were Michigan did not use one dime towards any programs it all went to building bridges and highways and what ever else the Rep.and Dems.wanted to waste it on." Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I believe it went to college scholarships under the MEAP scholarship program. While a bit of a stretch, I could argue that was a "smoking prevention" program as people with college degrees are statistically less likely to smoke.
girlhunter
Sat, Dec 19, 2009 : 8:08 a.m.
thank you Granholm for finally doing something will benefit the people of the state of Michigan. I choose not to smoke, and not kill myself and my family... I thank you for not making that choice to be killed by someone else!!!! I understand that everyone has rights... but as smokers have the right to kill themselves, and the people around them... I have the right to keep me and mine healthy.. and alive!
A Pretty Ann Arbor
Sat, Dec 19, 2009 : 7:14 a.m.
Cool now I can go to a bar again! I just don't go to a lot of places because of the smoking...now I will be able to. There are a lot of restaurants I like but don't go because of the smoke!
Rick
Sat, Dec 19, 2009 : 6:51 a.m.
Hey where did all the tobacco settlement money go for smoking prevention programs I've read were Michigan did not use one dime towards any programs it all went to building bridges and highways and what ever else the Rep.and Dems.wanted to waste it on.
zollar
Sat, Dec 19, 2009 : 6:48 a.m.
Smoking is one on the hardest habits to break. But it can be done. So just do it.The University has put a lot of effort into research to help people quit smoking. Part of the law suite against the tobacco companies forced them to reveal what chemicals are put into cigarettes to cause them to be so addictive.Thus researchers now have additional methods to help with quiting smoking for those who really want to make a effort. In other words...there is no excuse.So if you want to continue smoking.......
billy
Sat, Dec 19, 2009 : 3:46 a.m.
Good point John Galt. Perhaps I can turn my basement into a smokers bar. I can probably make a few grand a night. Of course I'll have to bribe the local police, amd the sherrifs deputy, but that shouldn;t be a problem. I can probablt stay open until five in the morning too. Man, this is cool. Please make more laws restricting our freedoms!
Bill
Sat, Dec 19, 2009 : 12:48 a.m.
Rick, I believe this is more about providing a safe workplace for employees and in that sense, I agree. I can choose not to go to a smoky restaurant but in many cases, especially now that jobs are sparse, people can't choose their jobs.
John Galt
Sat, Dec 19, 2009 : 12:43 a.m.
Looks like it's time to invest in the underground illegal tobacco business. Very profitable when the government tries to outlaw smoking everywhere (look at alcohol during prohibition and illegal drugs now) or put higher taxes on the products. Heck, the Kennedy family wealth was generated from bootlegging. :)
Rick
Fri, Dec 18, 2009 : 11:58 p.m.
I don't smoke or own a resturant and I will only go to smoke free estabishments, but is sad to see the government regulating something that the market could sort out. No one is required to enter a resturant, it is by choice and an owner should be able to set his own policy and see if the market accepts it or not.
The Grinch
Fri, Dec 18, 2009 : 9:45 p.m.
"It took seven years, but Granholm finally got something right" Sarcastic, yes, but wrong. Granholm and the Democrats in the legislature have been trying to do this for years. It was the Republican leadership in the Senate that has been the roadblock.
Ignatz
Fri, Dec 18, 2009 : 9:28 p.m.
Perhaps the casinos were exempted because of their Native American affiliation.
phdeez
Fri, Dec 18, 2009 : 8:54 p.m.
I am for the ban, but am wholly against the casino exemption. What makes the casino floors any different than the bars and restaurants (and the ones inside the casino, no less)? Casino floors are some of the smokiest places around, in my experience. I assume the casino lobby pushed hard for this exemption, but do the casino floor workers not deserve the same consideration as other laborers just because their bosses may have a louder voice and deeper pockets? I think the exemption makes this ban less effective and open to numerous court challenges.
Sarcastic1
Fri, Dec 18, 2009 : 8:15 p.m.
It took seven years, but Granholm finally got something right.
Ignatz
Fri, Dec 18, 2009 : 7:24 p.m.
A little less fun for me...
VelhoSorriso
Fri, Dec 18, 2009 : 7:23 p.m.
Hurray! Big breath