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Fl. Senate: Puffing At The Courthouse Door Could Be Snuffed

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) - Tired of having to cough your way through a knot of smoking city workers as you try to get through the door of city hall? The Florida Legislature may clear the air for you, moving forward a bill that could eliminate the smokers huddled at the door of government buildings.

A Senate committee Thursday approved a bill (SB 746) would allow cities and counties to restrict outdoor smoking on their property. Under the proposal, they could set up rules governing where and when smoking is allowed on government property outside of government buildings, or they could ban smoking altogether.

The bill would not apply to government property intended for public use, such as beaches.

While the Senate Health Regulation Committee voted unanimously to approve the bill, Chairman Rene Garcia of Hialeah, said he wants to make sure it wouldn't affect smoking on city-owned sidewalks, which could interfere with smokers at sidewalk cafes.

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