A final push to ban cigarette smoking in many public areas and workplaces is set for Monday, the last day of the regular session of the Alabama Legislature. The Senate has passed the bill already and it awaits passage in the House. Many public health officials say a uniform ban is necessary because second-hand smoke is known to be unhealthy. Governor Bob Riley — a former smoker himself — says he will sign the bill if it comes to his desk. But the ban could be derailed because of opposition by the Alabama Restaurant Association, which says it unfairly prohibits smoking in its establishments, while allowing it in stand-alone bars and other places. We hear from Dr. Jim McVay from the
Alabama Department of Public Health and Larry Fidel, who’s President of the
Alabama Restaurant Association.
