LANSING Mich. Michigan lawmakers passed legislation Thursday to ban smoking in nearly all public places, including restaurants and bars, beginning May 1, 2010.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm is expected to sign the measure, House Bill 4377, into law. The law includes fines of up to $500 for violations, which are to be paid by smokers, but also calls for penalties for businesses that allow smoking or fail to post “no-smoking” signs.
The Senate approved the bill by a vote of 24-13, with minor amendments, and the amended version was quickly approved by House of Representatives members 75-30. The law exempts the gaming floors of Detroit’s three casinos, cigar bars, tobacco shops and commercial vehicles.
According to the Detroit Free Press, Michigan is the 38th state to ban smoking in most public places.
Contact Alan J. Liddle at [email protected].