By IL Public Radio/AP
Springfield, Ill. – Concerns over second hand smoke are fueling an effort to pass a statewide smoking ban in Illinois, a ban that would include bars and restaurants.
More than 40 Illinois cities have passed restrictions on public smoking, but anti-smoking groups say the time is right to snuff it out statewide. They argue that would be more fair to bars and restaurants who are smoke free but have to compete with those where it's allowed.
They also say it would protect bartenders, waitresses and others who inhale second hand smoke as part of their jobs.
The bill is being introduced by Chicago Democratic Senator John Cullerton, but many bar and restaurant owners are likely to put up a fight.
Some establishments in cities where smoking bans are already in effect have blamed the restrictions for loss of business.
Illinois law already lets cities and counties ban smoking if they want.