Statewide Smoking Ban Proposed in Kentucky

Cigar Rights of America issued an advisory on Thursday regarding a bill that would implement a statewide smoking ban in Kentucky and contain no provisions for cigar shops, bars or lounges.

House Bill 190 was introduced on February 5, 2013 by Representatives Susan Westrom (D), Julie Raque Adams (R) and David Watkins (D), and would effectively ban smoking throughout the state. The text of the bill is as follows:

AN ACT prohibiting smoking in public places and places of employment.
Create new sections of KRS Chapter 438 to prohibit indoor smoking in businesses, places of employment, and other listed public places; exempt private residences, unless used for child care or adult day care; permit smoking in designated nonenclosed areas; require posting of “no smoking” signs as specified locations; permit local governments to adopt stricter regulations by ordinance; provide for enforcement by all peace officers and health department employees; provide for the issuance of uniform citations for violation; require that employers and others not discriminate against persons reporting violations; provide for fines for violation; provide that fines go to the organization whose employee issued the citation; provide that no court costs or other fees be charged for violations; amend KRS 344.040, relating to unlawful practices by an employer, to add reference to state law, local, ordinance, or local board of health regulation relating to smoking; amend KRS 431.450, relating to uniform citations, to provide for issuing citation forms to health departments; authorize the department of Kentucky State Police to create and issue uniform smoking violation citations; create a new section of KRS Chapter 438 to exempt smoking laboratories where machines do the smoking; repeal various statutes permitting smoking in public buildings.

Kentucky.com reported earlier today that the bill cleared a legislative panel and that some familiar with the legislation believe it has a good chance of passing. This is the second year a measure like this has been introduced, and according to the article, has the support of Gov. Steve Beshear.

The cigar community and all opponents of the proposed ban are being called on to immediately contact their state legislator and ask them to oppose this measure. Cigar Rights of America has created this webpage to help those concerned reach their legislator.