Sioux City Journal

Governor signs statewide Nebraska smoking ban

11:57 AM

Posted: Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Governor Dave Heineman has signed into a law a statewide smoking ban that will go into effect in summer 2009.

Heineman said Tuesday that he weighed the interests of business owners and health concerns of the public, then signed it because public health is a critical concern.

The law will not let cities and counties opt out of the ban and is modeled after the ordinance approved in Lincoln three years ago.

In a release, Heineman said, "After careful consideration, I signed LB 395 into law today. In weighing the merits of this bill, I took into account the valid concerns about local control and the rights of business owners, as well as the health concerns and the rights of the public to clean indoor air. The public health concern is a critical one."

-- Bret Hayworth

Story Comments

Nunya wrote on Jan 19, 2009 3:33 AM:

" Oh, boo hoo you stupid smoking jerks. If you don't enjoy the clean air, then stay home. This ban is the best ever!!!!! Mmmmm, fresh air! "

Chelsea wrote on Dec 12, 2008 2:46 PM:

" I think this smoking ban -- which is already causing massive amounts of bars, pubs, restaurants, etcetera to close both in the U.S. and Europe due to decrease in business -- is just going to make our economy worse. I don't mind sitting apart from the non-smokers in a properly ventilated room in a restaurant: it would be unfair of me to subject them to the smell of secondhand smoke (and any chemicals produced from it that may or may not cause harm to their health). But, Christ, people -- smoking is part of the BAR atmosphere! If you want to get away from the smokers, go to a different bar! It's like telling all of the alcohol-drinkers to get out so you can sit at the bar and drink a glass of freaking milk. "

Teri wrote on Nov 11, 2008 3:30 PM:

" I think this law is bogus! I think smokers have the right to smoke. It shouldn't be up to the law to tell us where people can and can't smoke. If non-smokers want to complain about the poisions... why not speak out against polution? it's hurting your lungs more than a little second hand smoke would ever do to you. And if the law wants to tell smokers where they can't and can smoke.. why don't they pass a law that says drinkers can only drink in bars??? It's the same thing! Don't punish the smokers because it's not socially accepted to be a smoker now-days. What is the government thinking? If they want to punish a certain group of people for their actions, they should target everyone who does something "bad." "

HSThompson wrote on Mar 18, 2008 11:08 PM:

" I can understand no smoking in restaurants, but bars and clubs...I think not. The majority of bar-goers are also smokers. If you don't like it then don't go, or if you do then don't cry about it. Perhaps they should just outlaw tobacco products all together...seems logical if health concerns are really the issue. Just be prepared for a revisit of the prohibition. Can you imagine all the drunks standing outside the bars when they need a smoke? Though I suppose various townships will profit from the impending scourge of PIs yet to come. This is as much a money issue as anything else. "

Joe wrote on Feb 29, 2008 2:40 PM:

" Smokers have rights. It is legal for you to smoke and poison yourself if you choose. However, you don't have the right to poison other people. "