TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) A House committee has approved a bill that would allow smoking in Kansas bars.
The bill approved Tuesday by the House State and Federal Affairs Committee would allow smoking in any private business that has only patrons and employees who are at least of legal drinking age.
Bel Aire Republican Rep. Steve Brunk, chair of the committee, said it’s unlikely the bill will become law this year because it was introduced so late in the legislative session.
Brunk, who doesn’t smoke, told The Wichita Eagle he supports the bill. He says it is consistent with state law that allows smoking in state-owned casinos and it protects private property rights.
Kansas banned smoking in most private businesses in 2010.
