toledoblade.com --

TEMPERANCE - The migration of Ohio smokers to Michigan soon may be a thing of the past because the Michigan Senate yesterday voted to prohibit smoking in all bars, restaurants, and workplaces.

The 25-12 Senate vote represents a major development in efforts to enact a smoking ban in the state.

The Democrat-led House passed a smoking ban in December, but the legislation had been opposed by Senate leaders, who said it would put unnecessary government restrictions on private establishments.

In Temperance yesterday, Nick Schaefer, manager of Nick and Jimmy's sports bar, said about 70 percent of his clients smoke.

He said many travel across the state line to sidestep Ohio's smoking ban, which went into effect one year ago.

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"I think smoking is definitely a draw for the smokers to come on up here," Mr. Schaefer said, adding that it's not clear what a ban would mean for his business.

"I think it will have some effect," Mr. Schaefer said. "How much, I'm not sure."

Health groups say secondhand smoke is harmful to workers and patrons in bars and restaurants.

Unlike the House version, the Senate version makes no special exceptions for casinos, bingo halls, and other buildings.

Duane Pfund, manager of the Norton Lanes bowling alley in Monroe, said a smoking ban could present a problem for the establishment, which has three bars.

"I know some bowling centers [in Toledo] took a pretty big hit," he said.

The Ohio ban, however, has been a boost for Michigan bowling alleys that are close to the state line, he said.

The Michigan Licensed Beverage Association criticized yesterday's vote in Michigan, saying it could hurt the state's hospitality industry. Bars and restaurants should be allowed to set policies based on what customers want, according to the group and the Michigan Restaurant Association.

Craig Herbster, manager of M.T. Loonies in Temperance, said he would be sorry to see his business suffer if a ban is imposed.

"We got quite a bit busier when the smoking ban went into effect in Toledo," he said.

But he's not overly concerned about the Michigan bill.

"We have a very steady clientele that comes in on a regular basis," he said.

Meanwhile, the debate about health, freedom of choice, and business continues to rage in the Michigan Legislature.

Sixteen Democrats and nine Republicans voted for the bill. Eleven Republicans and one Democrat voted against it.

Republicans control the Senate 21-17. One Republican was absent and didn't vote.

Now lawmakers in the House will try to decide whether to accept a full ban or try to carve out exemptions.

Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm has said she will sign a smoking ban.

More than 30 states ban smoking in public places or workplaces, according to supporters of such restrictions.

Some bans don't apply to restaurants and bars, though, or they make exceptions in casinos and other buildings.

The American Cancer Society and other health groups cited a U.S. surgeon general report that breathing any secondhand smoke harms nonsmokers.

"It's not about the public's choices. It's about protecting the public's health," said Sen. Raymond Basham (D., Taylor), a longtime proponent of the smoking ban.

He said bartenders, waitresses, and other workers need protection against smoke.

Some Republicans who voted for the legislation said their positions evolved as they saw more evidence from the surgeon general and others related to hazards of secondhand smoke.

But Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R., Rochester), who allowed a vote despite personally opposing the bill, called it a "blatant overreach" of government into private affairs.

"When will it stop? How much control do you want?" he asked. "And when will people have to stop thinking for themselves entirely?"

Information from The Blade's news services was used in this report.

Contact Angie Schmitt at:
aschmitt@theblade.com
or 419-724-6104.

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