A majority of North Dakotans support expanding a statewide smoking ban to include bars and lounges, according to a survey released Monday.
Nearly 66 percent of those polled strongly supported or somewhat sup-ported prohibiting smoking in all North Dakota workplaces, according to the 2006 Second-hand Smoke Study of North Dakota.
The survey was paid for by the state's Public Education Task Force on Tobacco, which represents an array of public health organizations.
Half of those surveyed said they had stayed home instead of visiting a business where smoking was allowed.
"What matters is we have strong public support for expanding the ban," said Vicki Voldal Rosenau, chair-woman of the organization.
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Furthermore, the study re-sults indicate about 80 percent of North Dakotans would go to a bar just as often or more if they were completely smoke-free.
That shows bar owners who go smoke-free may not experience a reduction in business, Rosenau said.
Sen. Ralph Kilzer, R-Bismarck, said earlier this month he would be reintroducing legislation to expand the state's smoking ban to include all work places. Currently, businesses like stand-alone bars are exempt.
Those who represent the state's bars, restaurants and hotels said the survey re-sults don't jive with other polls.
"I think they're (the numbers are) exaggerated," said Nicki Weissman, executive director of the North Dakota Hospitality Association. She said her association also has surveyed the public, but she declined to share the results on Monday.
Read more in tomorrow's Forum
