This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2005, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Lawmakers uncomfortable giving local governments the ability to restrict smoking killed House Bill 166 on Friday.
The measure, sponsored by Rep. Paul Ray, R-Clearfield, would have allowed local politicians to pass ordinances more strict than the Utah Indoor Clean Air Act.
A few members of the public spoke in favor of HB166, but a lawyer who said he represented private clubs argued more government regulations are unnecessary because clubs could decide to become smoke-free on their own.
The bill was defeated on a vote of 6-2, making it the second bill related to smoking in bars to stall this year.
Sen. Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, sponsored Senate Bill 77 that would have banned smoking in all private clubs. He has said he does not have the votes to get Senate approval.
- Matt Canham
