Senate panel weighs carve-outs in statewide smoking ban

Indiana senators are taking up work on a statewide smoking ban in the waning days of the 2012 session.

The Senate Policy Committee planned to work on the ban Wednesday afternoon. The House-approved measure includes exemptions for casinos and private clubs. It also includes an 18-month delay before the ban takes effect in bars.

But Senate policy chairman Ron Alting, of Lafayette, says he wants the exemption for private clubs recrafted. The House version allows private clubs like veterans lodges to vote to allow smoking. But private clubs that allow smoking would not be allowed to have minors in the building.

Battles over carve-outs for various groups have led to failure to approve smoking bans in past years.