A proposed ban on smoking in public places across the state failed to reach agreement by state lawmakers in the lame duck legislative session that ended Thursday, December 18. Most House members favored a law that excluded casinos, race tracks, and cigar bars, while most state senators said they were seeking a total ban in all workplaces.

Businesses on tribal reservations, such as casinos in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, are on sovereign land and, therefore, not be subject to the state law.

For any smoking ban to move forward now, a new bill would have to be introduced in the new year.

Supporters of the ban, including public health officials, wanted to protect people and workers from the health dangers of secondhand smoke. According to the American Lung Association, secondhand smoke is responsible for 3,400 lung cancer deaths and 46,000 heart disease deaths in adult nonsmokers in the United States each year.

The Michigan Restaurant Association was among those opposing the bill. Opponents pointed out that businesses may choose to go smoke-free on their own, if they believe customers want that, and that governmental involvement in the decision is not necessary.

Neither State Senator Jason Allen or Representative Gary McDowell returned calls asking to comment on the legislation.

Currently, 33 other states have passed smoke-free legislation.