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• Fire goes out of smoking ban bill  

A day after it endorsed a nearly comprehensive ban on smoking in public buildings, the House inserted exemptions for private business offices and establishments that admit adults aged 21 and older.

Another major amendment would allow city and county governments to opt out of the ban by local ordinance.

Supporters of the bill said they were outraged by the changes, but opponents said the amendments represented a move toward middle ground, and reflect the true desires of cities and counties across the state.

"Ninety-five percent of Wyoming communities have not passed smoking bans," said Mike Moser, executive director of the Wyoming State Liquor Association. "What the Legislature did was an approach of moderation."

The changes now put the bill in a precarious place.

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