Posted on 03/22/2006 2:23:00 PM PST by SheLion
UGUSTA, Maine Senators gave their approval Wednesday to two bills dealing with smoking in private clubs, one making it easier for clubs to allow smoking and the other barring it outright in clubs that have paid employees.
After a brief debate, senators gave initial approval to a measure that would correct what´s seen as a flaw in the year-old state law that regulates smoking in private clubs such as Elks and American Legions.
The current rules say that in order to allow smoking, a majority of a club´s members must vote yes. Critics contend that´s unfair because even those who don´t return ballots are counted as no votes.
The nonvoters may be inactive club members or those who couldn´t be tracked down, said Sen. Richard Rosen, R-Bucksport.
The bill that received Senate approval says smoking would be allowed if a majority of all valid ballots cast by club members express approval. The legislation, which faces further Senate and House votes, is a step backward, Sen. Karl Turner said.
"The real issue is ... it´s a matter of health," said the Cumberland Republican. While losing one battle, Turner gained ground on another club-smoking issue as senators voted in favor of a measure to outlaw smoking in all clubs that have employees.
Fellow Republican Sen. Peter Mills of Cornville said the proposal would "level the playing field" by imposing the same smoking ban in clubs that is already in effect in private businesses like restaurants and bars.
Eleven of the 13 members of the Health and Human Services Committee disagreed and recommended that the bill be rejected. But the Senate overturned the committee recommendation by a 19-15 vote and approved the measure to put the exemption in place.
The tally came as a surprise to the bill´s sponsor, Turner.
"I was expecting maybe a half-dozen votes," he said.
The issue came up nearly a year after the Legislature took up a bill calling for an outright smoking ban in all workplaces, including private clubs that have paid staffs. As a compromise, the bill was amended so votes by a majority of all members of a club could allow smoking.
One of the low life lawmakers of Maine. He is lucky he isn't in my district. I would vote for a pig before he would ever get a vote from me. Power hungry control freak! Looks a little porky too, IMHO!
The control freaks in Augusta have got to GO!
And you won't be able to smoke in your house if the electrician comes over.
Maine: STATE SEN. KARL TURNER (R-Cumberland)(RINO) to eliminate smoking in TAVERNS, LOUNGES AND POOL HALLS!
We are all friends up here. Everyone could care less who smokes or not.
One reason Peter Mills will never get a vote from me. His power hungry attitude over private businesses and what he and his buddy Karl have done to close several just in two years is disgusting.
Two squishy busybody RINOs.
Why don't they just proclaim themselves Democrats and be honest about it, at least?
Two squishy busybody RINOs.
Why don't they just proclaim themselves Democrats and be honest about it, at least?
A very good point! I don't donate to our party in Maine either. These two idiots leave a lot to be desired. I hope a lot of businesses in Maine know just who put the knife to them over these smoking bans.
"The real issue is ... it´s a matter of health,"
POPPYCOCK, you lying slimes. It's about CONTROL.
What a bunch of a$$hats.
HaHaaa that's pretty good!!!
That's BullSh!t!
LOLOL!
Thanks for the ping!
But...but...but...I thought these were PUBLIC businesses.
Turner is no good!....Just like Elliot (SPIT...slop...SUE...slurp) Spitzer who is running for Governer of New York State....Heaven Help US!!! HATES TOBACCO....Sues everybody, every company BIGTIME!!! Absolutely NO GOOD!!! It is sad that people do not see this person for who he really is...Frightening!....He is ALSO a Power hungry control freak!
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