In a public hearing Tuesday, state senators and representatives suggested amendments to the newly proposed statewide smoking ban that could be passed as early as next week.
The bill would prohibit and penalize public smoking in all indoor areas, sports arenas, public conveyances and certain outdoor locations.
According to state Sen. Mary Lazich, R-New Berlin, the hearing focused on exceptions to the smoking ban, such as cigar bars and tobacco retailers.
State Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, said there was strong public support for the ban because of the dangers of secondhand smoke.
""Workers should not be exposed to health hazards,"" he said.
Black also said many taverns are currently split on the issue as more and more communities begin to follow Madison's example by banning tavern smoking.
""Madison's bars and taverns have done quite well with the ban,"" Black said. ""Madison's success is a good example of where a local initiative will lead to statewide action.""
When asked about the prospects of the proposal, Black predicted the Legislature's decision to ban tavern smoking could be on Gov. Jim Doyle's desk within the next week.
Maureen Busalacchi, executive director of Smoke Free Wisconsin, a leading organization advocating for the ban, said proponents of the ban vastly outnumber opponents.
""We need to go smoke free and do it quickly,"" she said. ""I'm very optimistic that we're going to get Wisconsin to be smoke free.""
Lazich, however, expressed concern about the hearing's timing and the ability of opponents for the ban to attend.
""It was very short notice, less than 24 hours … the public didn't have much notice, particularly people around the state,"" she said.
According to state Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, about 300 people were in attendance, and he did not see any problems with the short notice.
A public hearing of the Assembly's version of the smoking ban will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m.
