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Excerpts from:  Connecticut House Passes Ban on Workplace Smoking

By PAUL von ZIELBAUER New York Times [05/08/03]

The Connecticut House of Representatives approved a bill today that would ban smoking in most workplaces, including all restaurants and bars, but exclude private clubs and certain cigar bars. Gov. John G. Rowland has said that although he is philosophically opposed to the bill, he will sign it into law nonetheless.
If Mr. Rowland, a Republican, signs the bill, Connecticut will join a handful of states that have already enacted legislation prohibiting smoking in public places. . . .

The Connecticut bill, which passed the House today, 103-to-43, and the State Senate last week by a 26-to-7 vote, is mainly focused on reducing the danger of secondhand smoke to restaurant and bar patrons and employees. Though lawmakers focused mostly on the bill's effects on bars and restaurants, the measure would also outlaw smoking in all workplaces with five or more employees, including buildings owned, operated or leased by a state agency, including state university dormitories.

Some establishments and facilities would be exempt from the ban, including private clubs that existed before the ban is enacted, certain cigar bars and outdoor patios of restaurants and bars.