The Senate passed a bill today that would ban smoking in all bars and restaurants. The vote was 19-15. The House has previously passed a similar bill, which puts the bill on track for implementation, statewide.
A House and Senate conference committee voted this morning to approve a stricter version of a ban that includes bars and taverns.
The committee voted 5-0 to endorse the House version of the bill, which includes exemptions for casino floors, the Denver International Airport smoking lounge, cigar bars, smoke shops, small businesses and family farms.
In its version, the Senate also exempted bars and taverns, bingo parlors, racetracks, and private clubs.
Democratic Sen. Dan Grossman, the Senate sponsor, anticipated that the bill would have enough votes to pass in the Senate.
House Republican Leader Mike May, the bill’s House sponsor said he expects the proposal would have no problem passing the House again.
