May 17, 2008
Sun coverage: Smoking ban
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.
Poof! Smoke gone
With just minutes to go before the Baltimore area's first smoking ban in bars and restaurants took effect yesterday, Steve Miller shouted a final rallying cry into the microphone at the crowded Phoenix Emporium on Main Street in historic Ellicott City.
Ban on smoking becomes Md. law
Gov. Martin O'Malley signed into law one of the most restrictive smoking bans in the nation yesterday, putting to rest four years of wrangling between public health advocates concerned about secondhand smoke and restaurateurs who claimed the measure would hurt neighborhood mom-and-pop operations.
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.
 General Assembly guideThis interactive graphic serves as an explainer to the state's annual legislative session. Key issues: The 2008 session in review Multimedia: The Session blog | Photos | Videos State of the State 2008: Text | Video In the news: Slot machines | BRAC |
Popular stories: Maryland News
- Pair of accidents leave 3 dead, several hurt
- Guilt admitted in 'massive fraud'
- Laura Vozzella: He looks hot, but he's taken
- Son quarreled over grades, police say
- City to remove 'blue light' crime cameras