Smoking Ban for Restaurants, Workplaces OKd for Fla. Ballot

A proposed constitutional ban on indoor smoking at many workplaces and restaurants can go on the November ballot, the Florida Supreme Court ruled unanimously Thursday.

The justices rejected the contention by the restaurant and hotel industry and tobacco companies that the ballot measure pushed by a coalition of health groups was misleading.

The measure states that the smoking ban would protect people’s health, an assertion opponents of the measure said was unproven.

The amendment, which requires a simple majority of voters to be added to the constitution, would outlaw smoking inside restaurants and enclosed workplaces, including break rooms. Exceptions would be made for stand-alone bars, designated guest rooms in hotels and home businesses that don’t provide child care.

Tobacco companies are backing a competing ballot measure that seeks to put current laws limiting smoking areas to 35% of restaurant seating in the constitution.