Tasco bill aims to close loophole in Philly public smoking ban

A bill introduced in City Council could close a loophole in Philadelphia’s public indoor smoking ban.

Councilwoman Marian Tasco said her bill would end exemptions to the smoking ban.

“I think it’s in the best interest of the city of Philadelphia for our business to bring conventions here,” she said Thursday. “A lot of the companies who bring conventions here want to go to smoke-free cities.”

Numerous exemptions, for everything from strip clubs to cigar bars, have been made to the ordinance, Tasco said.

“I believe there are about 75 waivers right now,” she said.

Should the bill prevail and loophole close, those waivers would remain in place