An unfortunate result of last Tuesday's seize of majority control of the Assembly by state Democrats is that it appears to have renewed the push for a ban on smoking in public places in Wisconsin.
With a Democratic Legislature and governor, that push is likely to shove the ban proposal into law.
Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, said he will write a new version of a smoking ban bill that has been blocked in the past by majority Republicans in the Assembly. He plans to introduce the legislation early in the next session. He said the proposed ban's start date remains uncertain, but he would like it to take effect as soon as possible and at the same time in all workplaces, including bars.
When Democratic Assembly candidate John Waelti interviewed with our editorial board late last month, he pointed to the smoking ban as a key area where he differed with his party. He said business establishments, bars and restaurants specifically, should have the right to decide whether to offer a smoke-free place to customers.
Waelti lost last week's election, of course, but he was right on the smoking ban proposal.
Unless tobacco is made an illegal substance, individuals should be able to decide for themselves where and when to smoke in public places, not government. It's that simple.
Soon, unfortunately, it appears that will no longer be the case in Wisconsin.
With a Democratic Legislature and governor, that push is likely to shove the ban proposal into law.
Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, said he will write a new version of a smoking ban bill that has been blocked in the past by majority Republicans in the Assembly. He plans to introduce the legislation early in the next session. He said the proposed ban's start date remains uncertain, but he would like it to take effect as soon as possible and at the same time in all workplaces, including bars.
When Democratic Assembly candidate John Waelti interviewed with our editorial board late last month, he pointed to the smoking ban as a key area where he differed with his party. He said business establishments, bars and restaurants specifically, should have the right to decide whether to offer a smoke-free place to customers.
Waelti lost last week's election, of course, but he was right on the smoking ban proposal.
Unless tobacco is made an illegal substance, individuals should be able to decide for themselves where and when to smoke in public places, not government. It's that simple.
Soon, unfortunately, it appears that will no longer be the case in Wisconsin.
