INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana House has exempted bars from a proposed statewide smoking ban.
Casinos were already exempt from the proposal, but on Monday the House voted 56-33 to also exempt bars that don't allow anyone under age 21 to enter. The House also made exceptions for nursing homes and fraternal clubs, which could create separate smoking areas under the bill.
Bill sponsor Charlie Brown says the exemptions water down the proposal. The Gary Democrat says he'll keep pushing the bill through the legislative process, but hopes to remove some of the loopholes as lawmakers work on a final compromise.
Gov. Mitch Daniels says he'd sign a smoking ban into law if the Legislature approves one, and Brown says there seems to be growing momentum for the proposal this year.
