Senate approves statewide smoking ban

A statewide ban on smoking in most public buildings was approved by the Senate on Thursday.

House Bill 283, sponsored by Rep. Al Park, D-Albuquerque, now heads back to the House for concurrence after minor changes were made by a Senate committee. The House unanimously approved the bill last month.

The Senate approved the ban on a vote of 27-9.

“This is a monumental step toward better health for all New Mexicans,” Park said. “The dangers of secondhand smoke are undeniable.”

Las Cruces has already had an indoor smoking ban in place for several years.

The bill bans smoking in restaurants, bars and workplaces throughout the state, in addition to public transportation systems and almost all enclosed public places. It also prohibits smoking within a “reasonable” distance of their doors and windows.

Smoking would still be allowed in private residences that don’t provide commercial child, adult or health care; private clubs; bingo halls; retail tobacco stores; tobacco manufacturing plants; film production sets; sole proprietor businesses; and businesses with fewer than two employees.

“The Legislature has dealt a strong blow to preventable cancer, heart disease and lung disease in the state of New Mexico,” said Nathan Bush, New Mexico government relations director for the American Cancer Society.