A group of elected officials in the Alabama Senate have introduced S.B. 168, the Alabama Smoke-free Air Act of 2014, which would ban smoking in many places across the state. Smoking would be banned in and within 15 feet of the entrances of most public places, patios and businesses. Exempt would be tobacconists, cigar bars and private clubs. Violations would carry a fine up to $100,000 for owners of those failing to comply. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Vivian Figures, D-Mobile. Sen. Figures first introduced a statewide smoking ban in 2008, again in 2010 and most recently in 2012. All three attempts have failed to gain statewide approval, although statewide smoking bans have passed the Alabama Senate. Figures is joined by 18 co-sponsors: 11 Republican, six Democrats and one Independent.
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