Pocono News Section

Smoldering Smoking Debate

Smoldering Smoking Debate - Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 8:48PM EST

Reported by: Eric Scheiner
Thursday, Apr 3, 2008 @08:48pm EST
WILKES-BARRE -- A House-Senate committee charged with crafting a a compromise on a state smoking ban have put off voting on any measure until the end of the month.

For those who favor smoking it would seem no news is good news. For those in support of a statewide ban, frustration is setting in.

Many are critical of the measure that's being considered by the committee. It would allow establishments to permit smoking if they prominently post signs indicating they are a business that has smoking, meet air testing requirements that have yet to be determined and children would not be allowed inside.

Do these restrictions even qualify as a "smoking ban"? Is a ban necessary? Do smokers have a "right" to smoke?

WYOU Interactive discusses the issue with Rep. Michael Gerber and tavern owner Jim McCarthy.