Politics & Government
Governor Won't Repeal Smoking Ban in Restaurants
Despite opposing the ban last year, Gov. Scott Walker said he now favors the ban as a reasonable restriction on restaurants and bars.
Gov. Scott Walker said today he will not repeal the state's smoking ban in restaurants and bars as it reaches its one-year anniversary.
Walker originally opposed the ban as unnecessary government restrictions on private businesses, but today he said time has shown it has not been unduly harmful.
“Although I did not support the original smoking ban, after listening to people across the state, it is clear to me that it works," Walker said. "Therefore I will not support a repeal.”
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The ban went into effect July 5, 2010, after being signed in 2009 by then-Gov. Jim Doyle.
In Brookfield, the smoking ban has prompted many restaurants and bars to. Aldermen to allow outdoor seating at restaurants that abut residential development — something that previously was prohibited.
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