DES MOINES - A group of state Democratic lawmakers is pushing a statewide public and workplace smoking ban that would include restaurants, bars and casinos.

Sen. Matt McCoy, D-Des Moines, said Iowa workers should not have to risk their health for their jobs, citing thousands of deaths every year due to second-hand smoke.

"We're doing this to protect the workers of Iowa," McCoy said.

Backers cited a recent poll showing a large majority of Iowans approve of the ban.

Rep. Janet Petersen, D-Des Moines, said the legislation she is proposing is one of the most common requests she receives from the public, especially from families who want to go out to eat or grab a drink in a non-smoking environment. The bill would also protect workers.

"Currently, waiters, bartenders and other employees who spend their entire lives choosing a career in the hospitality industry are faced with the dangers of second-hand smoke," Petersen said.

Gov. Chet Culver, a Democrat, said during the campaign last year he would favor giving local governments the power to impose smoking restrictions but not a statewide ban in these establishments.

Spokesman Brad Anderson said Culver still holds that view.

"He wants to leave it up to local communities to decide what is best," Anderson said.

Sen. Roger Stewart, D-Preston, said the issue is a popular one at forums in his district.

"I think it's a common sense issue. I think it's something that we should move forward," Stewart said.

Stewart cited a ban on smoking implemented at Clinton restaurant Rastrelli's, which he said is big step forward in that community.

"The reaction has been very good," Stewart said.

Rep. Jamie Van Fossen, a Davenport Republican, opposes the idea of the ban.

"I think business owners should be able to make their own decisions and not have the state come in and tell them what they have to do, especially in casinos," Van Fossen said.

He said casinos across the border in Illinois might take away business from Iowa casinos if a smoking ban were instituted.

Contact Charlotte Eby at (515) 243-0138 or

chareby@aol.com.