Md. Lawmakers Could Approve Smoking Ban Friday
ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Friday could be the day Maryland lawmakers ban smoking in bars and restaurants across the state.
Both the Maryland House and Senate are scheduled to debate the smoking ban issue.
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The two bans are very similar. Both allow bars to seek an exemption if they can prove their business has suffered, and both would take effect by next year.
The main difference is that the Senate version also exempts private nonprofit clubs such as veterans' groups, but the House version does not.
Gov. Martin O'Malley said he will sign a ban into law if lawmakers agree on a smoking bill.
