Doyle open to exempting bars from smoking ban

By now we are all aware of Gov. Doyle’s proposal from a mere two weeks ago which called for a complete ban on smoking in all Wisconsin workplaces.

But according to this report in the La Crosse Tribune, comments Doyle made yesterday show he is reluctant, but open, to granting an exemption to bars in Wisconsin, if it means he can get support for the remaining part of his proposal. He’s already feeling pressure from the Tavern League of Wisconsin.

I understand the premise of compromise and his desire to get the majority of public places covered by the ban. I’m sure it’s also difficult when you have lobbyists as strong as the state Tavern League is. But the proposal is only two weeks old. If we’re truly interested in leveling the playing field for all Wisconsin businesses and improving public health, then it makes sense to include bars, especially since that is where so much smoking takes place.