Anti-smoking group wants comprehensive ban

INDIANAPOLIS — The American Cancer Society is lobbying Indiana lawmakers to seek a comprehensive ban on smoking rather than a politically expedient one.

The group praised Gov. Mitch Daniels and state lawmakers Monday for their desire to pass a statewide smoking ban before football fans flock to the city for the Feb. 5 Super Bowl. But it says the ban should be well crafted. It also says it might be difficult for businesses to accommodate a new smoking ban before the game.

Questions over which establishments should be exempt from a ban have stalled the measure in past sessions of the Indiana General Assembly. It’s unclear if those differences can be worked out when lawmakers return to Indianapolis next month.