DO YOU SUPPORT A STATE SMOKING BAN?

South Dakota lawmakers are split on a proposal that would ban smoking in all businesses, including bars, casinos and motel rooms, according to a survey by The Associated Press.

While about 43 percent of the lawmakers who responded to the survey said they would support the proposed smoking ban, House and Senate leaders said they believe the measure has a good chance of passing in the legislative session that begins Tuesday. 

House Republican Leader Bob Faehn of Watertown said the smoking ban gains more support in the Legislature each year.

"The only people who seem to be opposed to it are the bar and restaurant owners. The general public is strongly in favor of this being passed," Faehn said.

House Democratic Leader Bernie Hunhoff of Yankton said South Dakotans have an independent streak that makes them reluctant to tell each other how to live, but the evidence is overwhelming that secondhand smoke is harmful to people's health.
The smoking ban is likely to pass in the next year or two, Hunhoff said. "It's just a matter of time, now."  MORE
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