Political Winds Blowing Smoke-Free

"All the science gets lost in the battle to implement these bans," he said.

Other studies, of course, show secondhand smoke to be dangerous.

In Prince George's, Chairman Samuel H. Dean (D-Mitchellville) and council member Douglas J.J. Peters (D-Bowie) say they expect the council to pass the smoking ban Tuesday.

Regarding possible sit-downs with opponents of the bill, Peters said, "What we're trying to say is we appreciate your input but we've weighed the pros and cons and we think public health is going to win out."

In the District, even council member Carol Schwartz (R-At Large), an opponent of the ban, said the measure is likely to pass. She also predicts it will be a challenge to amend the ban for establishments that, among other measures, install ventilation systems. "Listen," she said, "the votes are there for smoke-free."

The debate in Howard County might turn out to be the most contentious.

Council member David A. Rakes (D-East Columbia) intends to submit legislation that grandfathers in establishments with sealed-off smoking areas.

"They've already spent so much money to comply with our old law that we shouldn't now change the rules on them," he said.