August 21, 2008
Sun coverage: Smoking ban
With covered decks and tents, Baltimore bar owners hope to keep customers who smoke and avoid complaints from neighbors. In New York, patrons smoking outside created noise and litter. (Sun photo by Monica Lopossay / June 1, 2007)
Bill to exempt some sites from smoking ban fails
A bill that would have created an "outdoor" exemption for Baltimore County bars and restaurants to the state ban on smoking in public places died in a House committee yesterday, effectively ending an effort that some health advocates feared could unravel statewide support for the newly imposed law.
Smokers get the boot
The rain was bad enough. But having to stand in it just to light a cigarette was really the limit.
The smoker's retreat
While the last cigarette won't go out in a Baltimore bar for two more months, some city bar owners have been hard at work, looking for ways to follow the statewide ban without forcing smokers - some of their most loyal customers - out onto the street.
Panel backs ban on smoking
A Baltimore City Council committee approved a measure yesterday to ban smoking in all public places - including bars and restaurants - by January 2008, sending the proposal on to the full council.
Dixon 'leaning' to smoking ban
In the strongest words she has used on the issue, Baltimore City Council President Sheila Dixon said yesterday she could support a local ban on smoking in restaurants and bars -- staking out a position that might become significant if she becomes mayor next year.
Eat, drink and be ready to put out the cigarette
Diving into a controversy that has played out in dozens of cities across the country, the Baltimore City Council will conduct its first hearing today on a proposed smoking ban - a preliminary move that is sure to ignite a debate among smokers, non-smokers and restaurateurs.
City smoking ban appears headed for renewed debate
A stringent smoking ban proposed for Baltimore that has languished in the City Council for more than a year appears to be headed for renewed debate, possibly reviving one of the city's most contentious issues during a campaign season.
Outlook is hazy for smoking bans
Baltimore's incoming health commissioner supports a City Council bill that would ban smoking in bars and restaurants, but that stance puts him at odds with his boss, Mayor Martin O'Malley.
Bill seeks to extend smoking ban in city
Along the length of the Mount Royal Tavern's blue linoleum bar, next to nearly every pint of beer, glass of wine or shot of Jack Daniel's, a customer has plunked down a pack.
 City toddler's death probedFive people are charged with murder in the death of Javon Thompson, including the boy's mother. The suspects are members of a group police describe as a religious cult. Archived coverage: 2008 MSA results | City Hall, Dixon investigated Md. state police spying | FBI probes Sen. Currie People and places: Police Blotter Crime briefs from Baltimore City and Baltimore County |
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