Bill Could Allow Smoking In Kansas Bars

A House committee has approved a bill that

would allow smoking in Kansas bars.

The bill approved Tuesday by the House State and Federal Affairs

Committee would allow smoking in any private business that has only

patrons and employees who are at least of legal drinking age.

Bel Aire Republican Rep. Steve Brunk, chair of the committee,

said it’s unlikely the bill will become law this year because it

was introduced so late in the legislative session.

Brunk, who doesn’t smoke supports the bill. He says it is

consistent with state law that allows smoking in state-owned

casinos and it protects private property rights.

Kansas banned smoking in most private businesses in 2010.