Debate begins on no-smoking bill

MLAs will begin debate Monday on a private member's bill that would ban smoking in all Alberta workplaces.

Calgary MLA Dave Rodney introduced the bill, which would prevent smoking in public places.

Premier Ralph Klein has said he would prefer to see the bill amended so that smoking is allowed in bars, casinos and bingo halls.

Bob Hawkesworth, president of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, says the group supports the legislation because it would allow the province to create a level playing field for businesses.

"Nobody likes to be seen as the bad guy, coming in with a hammer," he said. "I think what people need to realize is that when you go into a public place, you should have the right to breathe clean air, and that going into a public place should not be a health hazard."

Hawkesworth says about half the municipalities in the province already have anti-smoking bylaws.

This summer, Edmonton will extend its no smoking bylaw to include bars, bingo halls and casinos. Calgary's public places, including restaurants, bars and casinos, go smoke free in 2008.

Lobby group Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) believes the bill would pass if Klein allowed a free vote on the legislation.