Dirty Ashtray in PA State Senate

21 members of the Democratic Caucus voted in block against the bill for a 31-19 tally against. Senator Robert Mellow appears to be the master of the double-talk according to the Patriot News.

Fate of the Smoking Ban - Editorial from the Patriot News.

Regardless of what your stance is on clean indoor air. This bill took much of smoke out of many places. If you think the government has the right to tell an owner what to do is another question. For the most part, it put all tavern/restaurants on equal footing. The bottom line is clean indoor air is a health issue that is a drag on the medical system which puts a strain on all our pockets in the end. Here are some of the winners and losers if the bill passes:

WINNERS

Local Bars - this PA relic, your neighborhood bar that may serve for one or two days a week will be able to remain with smokers. Lets face it, this industry is dying a slow death. I grew up in a town where each block had a tavern. Now there may be only five left. I am assuming this is going on statewide.

Fire Companies and Veterans Organizations (Private Clubs) - Applause for being patriotic. Fire Companies will have no food requirements. There is an exception to this if the club or fire company is leased or rented for an event where the public is invited (including children under 18)

Losers

If the bill does pass the legislative process, look for some migration of clientele from non-smoking to smoking hangouts in the short term. Long term look for more people to go to eateries more frequently and enjoy the smoke-free venue.

PA State Legislature - does this reek of after hours pay raise if this doesn't pass?