More support for a statewide smoking ban.
The co-chairman of the Legislature's powerful budget committee, Madison Democrat Mark Pocan, says he backs the bill because it would be better for taverns that the patchwork of local ordinances now seen across Wisconsin.
Pocan says it's a problem for taverns when a variety of communities adopt smoking bans, but then bars in adjoining municipalities do allow customers to light up.
He says a statewide law makes the most sense from a fairness standpoint for the businesses involved.
Legislation enacting a statewide ban is expected to be introduced in the new Legislative session.
