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Sun coverage: Smoking ban

Archived coverage of city, county and state proposals to ban smoking in public places

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)

March 28, 2008

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.

February 2, 2008

Smokers get the boot

The rain was bad enough. But having to stand in it just to light a cigarette was really the limit.

December 19, 2007

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.

November 21, 2006

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.

October 26, 2006

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.

November 21, 2006

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.

June 24, 2006