Michigan Senate passes smoking ban that exempts 3 Detroit casinos, cigar bars, home offices

Mich. Senate passes smoking ban; casinos exempt

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Senate passed a smoking ban Thursday, with exceptions for three Detroit casinos that have to compete with tribal casinos not affected by the ban.

A similar ban has already passed the House, which is expected to agree with slight changes made by the Senate. Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm has said she will sign the bill.

The ban would take effect in May 2010. It applies to all bars, restaurants and work places, except for the Detroit casinos, cigar bars, tobacco specialty stores, home offices and motor vehicles.

The Senate approved a ban with no exceptions last year, but that bill failed in the House, which wanted the exceptions for the Detroit casinos. The House in May passed the bill adopted Thursday by the Senate.

With Granholm’s signature, Michigan would become the 38th state to limit smoking in public places such as government buildings and bars and restaurants, according to Sen. Ray Basham, D-Taylor, who has kept alive the push for a statewide smoking ban. He favors a total ban, but was satisfied with the progress so far.

“We’ve moved the ball down the court, and even scored a basket,” he said of Thursday’s vote. “We haven’t scored a three-pointer.”

Sen. Tupac Hunter, D-Detroit, also wanted casinos included in the ban but was pleased with the Senate vote.

“It will be a great day in this state when we are totally, 100 percent smoke free … (but) I’m very proud of what we’ve done today,” he said.

Several senators, including Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, said they objected to the ban because it intruded on decisions bar and restaurant owners should make based on their customers’ desires.

“This is a blatant overreach by government,” Bishop said.

Among nearby states, only Indiana doesn’t have some type of smoking ban in place.

Thursday’s Senate vote was 24-13; one senator was absent.