Each week we share some of the news that comes across our desk about upcoming legislation.. This week we have stories from Alaska, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Romania and Singapore.
Alaska – The Alaska Senate is once again considering a bill to prohibit smoking in bars, restaurants and public places across Alaska according to JuneauEmpire.com.
Louisiana – An ordinance that would ban smoking in Baton Rouge’s casinos and bars is to the Metro Council according to CT Post.
Michigan – By a 3-1 vote the Ironwood City Commission voted to name 11 out 14 parks that will be considered for a smoking ban according to Your Daily Globe.
The Dearborn City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance that would restrict smoking in parks according to the Arab-American News.
Nebraska – The Lincoln City Council has voted to ban smoking at city bus stops and shelters According to the Lincoln Journal Star.
New Jersey – In New Jersey, public enemy number 1 in the cigar industry is Senator Shirley K. Turner a Democrat from Hunterdon/Mercer. Earlier this year she co-sponsored a bill to raise the tobacco age to 21 and now she is back at it again looking to ban the sale of flavored cigars in the state with the introduction of S.1961.
New York – Beginning this July, smoking will be illegal at all Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority buildings, including individual apartments according to The Buffalo News.
Tennessee – The 21 Movement has been defeated in the state house of the state. The bill failed to receive a motion from the House Agriculture Committee according to WKRN.
Virginia – If the Governor adds his signature to the bill, Virginians could be fined $100 for smoking in cars with those under the age of 8 according to WTVR.
Vermont – This week the Vermont House almost passed a law that would have raised the tobacco purchase age to 21. The vote resulted in a tie, that the House Speaker opted to kill according to VPR.
International
Romania – The country has banned smoking in enclosed areas, including bars, discotheques and restaurants according to Balkan Insight.
Singapore – Starting in 2017 shop owners will be prohibited from leaving tobacco products in plain sight with the goal of preventing impulse purchases. The measure includes cigars according to the Voice of America.
