Clean Air Act

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Montana Sen. Jerry Black of Shelby had intended to draft a bill to permanently exempt Montana taverns and casinos from the Clean Air Act. That would then allow smoking in such establishments to continue. In a reply email to NBMC, Jerry told us that he now has NO intention of introducing any legislation. Quote: "Although I do agree with the tavern owners and casinos that this is a personal property rights issue and that people should have a choice to go to non-smoking or smoking establishments, I have NO intentions of introducing any legislations exempting them from the Clean Air Act. The public overwhelming supports the Act and there is no sense in pursuing it further".
In 2005, taverns and casinos were given until October 1, 2009 to get ready for the state wide smoking ban. Restaurants and many other places including many bars, went non-smoking in 2005 and have done quite well. Many tavern and casino owners that still have smoking are worried that going non-smoking will "kill" their business. The forward looking ones are making plans for the smoking ban and are constructing areas outside their business location to accommodate patrons who smoke. They are including comfortable outdoor lounge areas with gas heaters for winter.

NBMC Shelby
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