Anti-smoking bill fails in committee

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- A proposal to make it more difficult to light up in public buildings goes up in smoke in a state Senate committee.

The bill by Senator Ben Robinson of Muskogee would have prevented smoking in any public place that has no separate smoking area with ventilation and an exhaust system. It would also have repealed a law that prevents cities from passing anti-smoking ordinances that are stricter than state law.

Robinson says supporters of the bill are trying to change a lifestyle.

Senator Robert Milacek says the measure is a little too drastic.

The committee rejected the bill on a 4-to-4 vote.