Proposed Bill Would Ban Smoking in Public Places
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: March 11, 2013
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- A bill was filed in the Arkansas House of Representatives on Monday that would ban smoking in all public places.
House Bill 2119 would be known as the "Arkansas Clean Air Act of 2013," and would prohibit smoking in a public place, which is defined in the bill as "an area in which the public is permitted."
This includes bars, restaurants, shopping malls, sports arenas and theaters.
To see the bill, click here.
House Bill 2119 would be known as the "Arkansas Clean Air Act of 2013," and would prohibit smoking in a public place, which is defined in the bill as "an area in which the public is permitted."
This includes bars, restaurants, shopping malls, sports arenas and theaters.
To see the bill, click here.
Comments
I thought by law I was already forbidden from smoking in these places? But I guess actually I must of been doing it on my own as a courtesy to others. Seems a shame the state feels a need to dictate a common courtesy that is generally extended by most any smoker, even those smokers with little social skills and who are lacking an abundant amount common sense haven't smoked (with the exception of bars) in these places for many years. Maybe, I am wrong but I don't remember seeing anyone smoking in theaters, shopping malls, waiting rooms, etc when I've been there, not since I was a little boy some 45 years ago. This 2013 Legislative Session sure seems to have wasted a lot of time and produced very little other than restricting the rights of the citizens and leaning heavy on the rights of targeted groups.
greg g.
March 12, 2013 at 5:08 pm
States should not dictate what a citizen does in their home, nor what a business owner chooses to do in his/her business regarding smoking! I'm a combat veteran and current college student. Since I can't smoke on campus, I choose to drive my Dodge Ram Quad Cab (5.7L Hemi; 14mpg) and drive off campus 2-3 times a day to go smoke. %u201CClean air%u201D? Seems like the law tends to defeat itself!!! Should police spend time writing smoking citations or patrolling the area deterring serious crimes? The rights and liberties of a smoker and non-smoker should be a series of compromises!!
Duane A.
March 11, 2013 at 9:30 pm
