Under a state law that takes effect in September, smoking will be banned in Pennsylvania in most public places, including schools, government buildings, stadiums, theaters, bowling alleys, public transportation centers and mass-transit vehicles, as well as most restaurants. However, the new law will allow only Philadelphia to go beyond statewide smoke-free protections by having a local ban covering other public places, such as all restaurants, bars, taverns and casinos.

Rep. Wheatley is disappointed with passing a law that contains so many exemptions and that pits various business establishments against one another when the goal of such a ban should be to protect workers' health regardless of the type of workplace. At the same time, he feels the new law is a historic and long-overdue first step and he commends the advocates, his colleagues and other statewide leaders for staying committed to getting this done.

Rep. Wheatley will cosponsor legislation that would give Allegheny County and other local governments the same authority as Philadelphia to pass local smoking bans.

Please fill out this quick survey to let Rep. Wheatley know where you stand, and he can keep you informed about this important issue.

Do you support allowing local governments to pass smoking bans stronger than state law?

Yes, I am a non-smoker and I support this idea
Yes, I am a smoker and I support this idea
No, I am a non-smoker and I oppose this idea
No, I am a smoker and I oppose this idea