Smoking Ban
A state appeals court says Allegheny County had no authority to enact a smoking ban in bars and restaurants. Now a lower court has been ordered to stop the ban from taking effect in Pittsburgh. Does this latest ruling mean its the end of the road for counties to take a stand on the smoking issue?
Here in Erie, County Officials say they have another way to get smoke out of restaurants and bars and they want their chance to present it to the Commonwealth Court.
The 1988 clean indoor air act pre-empts and overrules Allegheny county's right to impose stricter regulations on smoking.
Thats the same argument Erie County presented to Judge John Bozza and lost. Now we're learning Erie County may go to commonwealth court for its appeal with a whole new set of arguments and ideas to ban smoking.
Erie county has to file it's appeal with the commonwealth court by June 1. Meantime, we spoke with 5th District State Representative John Evans about the proposed state wide smoking ban.
He says he's been an advocated of having a state wide policy. Hear what else he has to say about a proposed state wide smoking ban by clicking on our video link.
