A bipartisan statewide smoke-free workplace bill that aims to ban smoking in workplaces including bars and restaurants was introduced Friday.
The bill was coauthored by state Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, state Sen. Mike Ellis, R-Neenah, state Rep. Al Ott, R-Forest Junction, and state Rep. Jon Richards, D-Milwaukee.
""We're excited that they've done this and that they going to introduce this legislation,"" Allison Miller, media advocacy coordinator for the American Cancer Society in Wisconsin, said. ""Obviously, our goal is to have a smoke-free Wisconsin as soon as possible.""
According to Miller, the bill is very similar to the statewide smoking ban in Gov. Jim Doyle's recent budget proposal. Although the bill has bipartisan support, Miller recognized there is ""staunch"" opposition from the Tavern League of Wisconsin.
Pete Madland, executive director of the Tavern League of Wisconsin, said the bill punishes the Tavern League's members and will force businesses to close.
Madland said the Tavern League has ""been at the table three years in a row"" to compromise, with anti-smoking legislators but a compromise has yet to be reached.
""To lose your livelihood, your retirement, everything you worked for because the government makes a decision for you, that's a pretty tough pill to swallow,"" he said.
Miller said a growing number of people are looking forward to smoke-free workplaces.
""A whole list of organization as well as numerous public health groups support this bill, as do the majority of Wisconsin voters,"" she said.
