Tobacco.org

• Bill to extend smoking ban 

Senators are ready to vote on a bill that would require smokers to move more than 20 feet from the entrance of an enclosed public place before they can enjoy a cigarette.

There was little debate or objection to Bill 101 during session yesterday. The Legislature will vote on the bill the next time it is discussed.

Vice Speaker Benjamin Cruz, one of the senators who introduced the bill, yesterday said he didn't want smokers standing by the door of a place if they can't smoke inside. Because lawmakers don't require a restaurant customer to tolerate cigarette smoke while eating, they shouldn't have to walk through a cloud of smoke to get to the door, either, Cruz said.

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