The fight for a statewide smoking ban could end up being decided at the local level.
Despite the fact that a majority of Wisconsinites support a statewide ban, the Legislature has delayed action on such a measure. Allison Prange with the American Cancer Society says that could prompt many communities to take action on their own, by passing local smoking bans.
Several communities have already taken those steps on their own. Most recently, Marshfield and Eau Claire voted to adopt anti-smoking ordinances. Prange predicts more will follow suit as support continues to grow and the Legislature fails to act.
More local bans could help make the push easier for a statewide version. Prange predicts bans on the city level could spread county-wide, eventually increasing the pressure to adopt a statewide law. Prange says the only way to have a level playing field for all communities is to enact a statewide ban, so that will remain the ultimate goal.
