Assembly passes indoor smoking ban; Codey expected to sign it

[jhain]

TRENTON, N.J. -- A bill that would ban smoking in restaurants, bars and most other indoor public places _ but not casino floors _ went to the governor's desk Monday after the state Assembly overwhelmingly passed the measure.

Gov. Richard J. Codey said he will sign the bill into law. It would make New Jersey the 11th state with such a ban, joining Delaware and New York, among others.

"This is the day New Jersey takes on and defeats Joe Camel. It's about time," Assemblyman William E. Baroni Jr., R-Mercer and Middlesex counties, said during a spirited debate.

The Assembly voted 64-12, with two abstentions, in favor of the bill. The state Senate passed the measure 29-7 on Dec. 15.

more here:
http://tinyurl.com/94g9d

Wooooo Hoooooooooooooo

I have been waiting and weaiting and waiting!!!!!!!!!

[mcscajun]

1. It was inevitable. It takes effect on April 15.

I'm looking forward to it. :)

[jhain]

3. So Am I!

There are so many restaurants I have wanted to try- I would not step foot in until now.

[mcscajun]

5. Yup...there are a couple that opted out of providing smoke-free

sections that I've been avoiding that will see me now. :)

[Broke In Jersey]

2. Long Overdue

Now I won't reak of smoke after a night out at the bars!!!!

[mcscajun]

4. Better yet...I can finally consider working in bars.

:)

I took bartender training...and then I thought about the impact on my health with all the smoke in my face. Ugh.

[jhain]

6. and maybe some of the smoking bar tenders will quit

they may leave in a cloud of nicotine and the you can move in.

I stopped by the restaurant where my daugfhter is waitressing the other nght and was APPALLED by the smoke. I am so very happy this has passed..what?? 90 more days for some reason, right?

[mcscajun]

7. Yup...it takes effect on April 15th

It's pretty much a standard to let some time go by so people can make appropriate adjustments.

[jhain]

8. like coughing up a lung?? n/t

[Kire]

9. blue states against red states

My friend has a theory that the reason all of the blue states are banning smoking is because tobacco comes from the red states in the south. Anybody think this theory has any validity?