Mo. measure would ban smoking in public places

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A Missouri lawmaker has filed a resolution that would let voters decide whether to add a ban on smoking in public places to the state constitution.

Rep. Joe Fallert, a Ste. Genevieve Democrat, says he's not sure the measure he introduced last week will gain much traction this session, but he thinks it's an issue important enough to put before voters.

The only other time a statewide smoking ban has been proposed in the Legislature was last year. A bill by Sen. Joan Bray, a St. Louis Democrat, received little support and never got a hearing.

Several Missouri communities have instituted smoking bans in recent years, including Kansas City, the largest city in the state with such restrictions. Its ban includes bars and restaurants but exempts casino floors, where nobody under 21 is allowed.