WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Vt. House Passes Ban on Smoking

The Vermont House has passed a bill that would snuff out all smoking in the workplace.

The state banned smoking on the job in 1987 except in designated areas, like special smoking rooms. But advocates say those rooms are unfair to employees who don't puff because they are still exposed to small amounts of second-hand smoke.

The new law would ban all indoor smoking in the workplace.

"There is no safe level of second-hand smoke and some workers were still being impacted by second-hand smoke and we hope to improve their health and that's a good thing for Vermont, for those people individually and what we spend on health care," said Rep. Patsy French, D-Randolph.

The bill now heads to the Senate. Supporters are optimistic there is time to pass the bill this year.

Kristin Carlson - WCAX News