Oklahoma Bill to Ban Smoking in Bars Stumbles

A bill that would have banned smoking in bars and most other businesses in Oklahoma suffered a setback earlier today.

H.B. 3384 did not pass a third vote in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, failing 33-64 with three abstaining.

The bill would have created the Oklahoma Workplace Clean Air Act, banning smoking in most businesses and private clubs. There were a number of exemptions:

• Cigar bars and retail tobacco and vape stores that were in business as of Nov. 1, 2020;
• Restaurants that have an enclosed and ventilated smoking room;
• Businesses that do not have employees and are not open to the public

The bill, introduced by House Speaker Pro Tempore Harold Wright Jr., R-Weatherford, would have banned smoking at outdoor public events, all public transportation stations and in the common areas of multi-family housing units, though the latter could have specific smoking areas.

It would have also removed a preemption law that prevents local cities and counties from enacting additional anti-tobacco laws.