While it was pronounced dead by one of its sponsors in early March, a bill to create a sweeping smoking ban in the Commonwealth of Kentucky officially died on Tuesday with the completion of the legislative session. House Bill 173 had made it through the Health & Welfare committee and returned to the House floor, where five amendments had been filed, including an exemption for cigar bars that are separated from other establishments and are geared towards premium cigars. Despite the discussion, Rep. Susan Westrom, D-Lexington, said at the time that it would take riots outside the Capitol to get enough support behind the proposal. Numerous House Democrats are seeking re-election and wouldn’t get behind what is seen as a controversial bill. Westrom promised that she would introduce the bill for a fifth time in the 2015 legislative session and said she thinks it will finally have enough support to warrant passage.
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