Smoking ban revived in special session

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - A proposed statewide smoking ban inside Texas bars and restaurants has been revived in the special
legislative session.

A House committee Saturday voted out a proposal that would ban smoking inside public places. The bill targets businesses that require a state license to operate, such as bars and restaurants, but excludes outdoor seating.

Republican state Rep. Myra Crownover said the bill would save the state millions of dollars in health-related costs. A similar bill during the regular session died when Senate negotiators removed it from a spending measure.
The House now awaits the Senate to revisit the proposal.

Fast Eddie's Billiards opposed the proposal during Saturday's House appropriations meeting. The company states that 70 percent of its customers smoke and that the ban would cripple business.