House Republican Press Release

February 25, 2004

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Legislature to Hear Proposals to Modify Smoking Ban

State Representatives Len Greene and Kevin DelGobbo announced that the legislature’s General Law Committee has raised legislation, HR 5451, to modify the state smoking ban that was enacted last year.

The legislators noted that a public hearing will be held March 4 at 2:00 p.m. in Hartford at the Legislative Office Building in Room 1-C.

Rep. Greene said, “I have heard from many restaurant and bar owners who are negatively impacted,  and I want the committee to hear their suggestions on how to make the law work for everyone.”

Rep. DelGobbo added, “There clearly must be some common ground that can be found on this issue in a way that treats everyone fairly.”

“We are seeking to hear from residents and small business owners on ways to make this smoking ban fair to everyone, including smokers and nonsmokers alike.”

Effective October 1, 2003, the legislature prohibited smoking inside restaurants. However, the legislature postponed the ban until April 1, 2004, for cafes, taverns and  bar areas of bowling alleys.

The legislators noted that there is a broad range of bipartisan support in the legislature to consider some modification to the current smoking ban.