Statewide Smoking Ban?

Font Size By Associated Press
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M30o93H7pQ09L8X1t49cHY01Z5j4TT91fGfr Statewide Smoking Ban?
Published: Wed, February 20, 2008 - 5:08 pm
Last Updated: Wed, February 20, 2008 - 5:18 pm
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The Alabama Senate's Democratic Caucus
endorsed legislation today to ban smoking in the workplace and in
public places.
The no smoking bill sponsored by state Senator Vivian Davis
Figures was one of several health and safety bills the caucus
supported during a news conference at the Statehouse.
Figures has been trying for three years to ban smoking in
workplaces and in public places, including restaurants, shopping
malls, and theaters. Her bill would also ban smoking with 15 feet
to the entrance of any place where smoking is prohibited.
Businesses that violated the proposed ban would be subject to
fines, beginning at $100 for a first offense.
Senate President Pro Tem Hinton Mitchem says Figures has worked
to change public sentiment about smoking. Figures says it's clear
that Alabamians want a smoke-free state.
The Senate Education Committee, which Figures heads, has a
public hearing scheduled on her bill at 1 p.m. on February 27 at
the Statehouse.
During the news conference, the Senate Democratic Caucus
announced that during the current legislative session, it will
oppose any budget cut or any freeze in enrollment for the ALL Kids
health insurance program. The program serves the children of
working poor families who make too much to qualify for Medicaid.
The caucus said it will try to double the minimum sentence for
drunken drivers with high levels of intoxication. The caucus also
said it will try to ban freed sex offenders from living within
2,000 feet of an Alabama college or university. State law already
prohibits them from living near K-12 schools, but higher education
is not addressed.

(continued from comment below, sry I ran out of room) Smokers, I understand yall are addicted and can’t help it (actually, you can b/c there are plenty of things out there to help you quit) but you do NOT have harm your children, loved ones, friends, coworkers, the general public, and the environment to engage in this destuctive activity. I know that in this past, cigarettes were basically handed out, lighters were free, and soldiers in WW1 and 2 basically got free cigarettes but we now know that it’s a harmful, pathetic mistake. IDK if yall know this or not but a RJ Reynolds executive once said, “We don’t smoke that s***. We leave that for the young, the poor, the stupid, and the black.” That’s a very offensive and racist comment. Just think about it.

Posted by teilashae on 02/27/08 - 9:38 pm • Report Abuse.   

Do yall have any clue what u r talking about? Senator Figures has lived in Mobile just about her entire life! Yes she is in touch with the real world! She developed chronic bronchitis and asthma from ETS (Environmental Tobacco Smoke, aka second hand smoke)! She knows the dangers of ETS! Oh, and to bnot, it’s your choice to make the mistake of using tobacco, we can’t stop you, but you do not have to endanger the lives of others just to please yourself! You can’t go around shooting people just because you think it’s fun! You don’t need to kill people with cigarettes either! I was at the hearing today and there were about 15 Murphy SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) members there, 4 Phillips students (I was the only SWAT team member), and @ least 4 adults from Mobile. The only person who said anything in opposition of the bill was Mobile Councilman John Williams. raspberry Afterwards, we kind of gained up on him afterwards b/c he had some pretty lame excuses.

Posted by teilashae on 02/27/08 - 9:32 pm • Report Abuse.   

Honestly, smoking has been banned in theaters and most dining rooms for years.  Malls have had a no smoking policy since 1987.  Figures is so out of touch with the real world.
Do you guys in Mobile really need her?  After you guys in Montgomery get serious about what to do with all of the illegals, then start talking about the odors of tobacca.  Jeez!

Posted by net_50 on 02/22/08 - 7:21 pm • Report Abuse.   

Great idea to ban smoking in the state.  I am for it 100%.

Posted by Get Real on 02/22/08 - 5:37 pm • Report Abuse.   

I’m a smoker, and honestly, I know of very few places indoors that DO allow smoking.  Thats why I never go out to eat anymore. 

See if I vote for Ms Figures again.

Posted by bnot on 02/22/08 - 4:37 pm • Report Abuse.   

Yes to smoke-free air indoors! Finally!

Posted by Cali on 02/22/08 - 3:20 pm • Report Abuse.   


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