House Advances Indoor Smoking Amendments After Heated Debate Over Fraternal Clubs

The Utah House debated first substitute House Bill 273 on Feb. 16, a measure that would amend the state’s indoor smoking rules to give fraternal clubs parity with taverns and certain private clubs.

Sponsor Representative Curtis Oda said the bill responds to economic harm reported by fraternal organizations and would allow those clubs to remain exempt until the same later date as taverns and Class D clubs, with an accommodation banning minors where smoking would be allowed. Representative Oda said some posts reported revenue losses of several thousand dollars and that the change is voluntary for clubs.

Representative Ray offered an amendment to change multiple effective dates in the bill from February 2009 to February 2008, arguing the amendment would prevent reopening the negotiated deal next session. Supporters of the amendment cited parity and the opportunity to avoid future repeal attempts; opponents said the original conference compromise included time to allow clubs to build outdoor areas and that shortening the timeline undermines public-health goals. Representative Ray emphasized public-health benefits of removing smoke from buildings and pointed to business gains observed in other jurisdictions.

The House debated the amendment and then the substitute bill. The amendment to shorten the timeline did not carry; the first substitute for HB273 passed with 58 yes votes and 12 no votes and will be sent to the Senate.

What's next: HB273, as substituted, is transmitted to the Senate for further action.