Kentucky House Committee Approves Statewide Smoking Ban
By: Chris Veech
Updated: February 7, 2013
Smokers in Kentucky are a vote closer to a statewide ban. A House committee approved a bill this afternoon that would prohibit smoking in public places across Kentucky. This vote came one day after Governor Steve Beshear called on lawmakers in his annual State of the Commonwealth speech to pass the smoking ban. He said tobacco addiction is costing lives, jacking up medical costs, and hurting productivity in the state.
"Smoking used to be a social thing," said non-smoker Robert Webster, "but it's starting to be the opposite. I hate to see kids around smoking because they are really the ones who are gonna pay for it."
"For kids there should not be smoking at all," said Violet Teague who recently quit smoking, "but for adults that should be their choice."
Dozens of cities and counties in Kentucky already have smoking bans. Smokers in Daviess County had to stop lighting up starting in 2006 in any public place that allows children under 18. The legislation now goes to the full House for approval.
"Smoking used to be a social thing," said non-smoker Robert Webster, "but it's starting to be the opposite. I hate to see kids around smoking because they are really the ones who are gonna pay for it."
"For kids there should not be smoking at all," said Violet Teague who recently quit smoking, "but for adults that should be their choice."
Dozens of cities and counties in Kentucky already have smoking bans. Smokers in Daviess County had to stop lighting up starting in 2006 in any public place that allows children under 18. The legislation now goes to the full House for approval.
