A bill to expand Alaska’a existing smoking ban been introduced in the state House of Representatives, and specifies a list of additional places where lighting up would be prohibited. House Bill 360 was introduced by Rep. Lindsey Holmes, D-19, earlier this week and expand the smoking ban to sports arenas, public and private educational facilities, shopping malls, office buildings, restaurants, bars, retail stores and a host of other places, including public modes of transportation such as buses and taxis and transportation centers. It also creates smoke free zones within the entrances, windows and ventilation systems of restaurants, bars and other places of employment, as well as health care facilities. The bill does provide exemptions for private clubs that do not serve alcoholic beverages and are not places of employment, private residences and marine vessels. Cigar shops and lounges would not be excluded under the bill’s current language. HB 360 was introduced on February 26 and has been referred to the House Health and Social Services Committee, of which Rep. Holmes is a member.
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