No deal on Mich. smoking ban in bars, restaurants

The snag over exemptions could prove insurmountable and keep any smoking ban from becoming law.

It has been two weeks since the Republican-led Senate surprisingly voted to prohibit smoking inside all workplaces, including bars and restaurants. The vote energized health advocates and members of the public who want a smoking ban.

But the Democratic-controlled House has yet to send the legislation to Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who supports it.

House Speaker Andy Dillon, D-Redford, sympathizes with Detroit casinos and cigar bars who argue that not having smoking in their facilities would hurt business. Tribal casinos could continue allowing smoking because state laws do not apply due to tribal sovereignty.

As of Friday, Dillon planned to vote, possibly next week, to exempt cigar bars and Detroit's three casinos from a smoking ban that would apply to all other workplaces.

"We'll see if the Senate would like to negotiate," Dillon spokesman Greg Bird said.

The approach is not sitting well with Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester.

"If the people of Michigan want a ban on smoking, it needs to be across the board," Bishop spokesman Matt Marsden said.

Bishop personally opposes a smoking ban as a government intrusion into private business decisions, but he allowed a vote after getting pressure from other Senate Republicans concerned about protecting public health.