Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

For Immediate Release: April 9, 2003

Sen. Nancy Riley

Riley Amendment Exempts Veterans Clubs from Smoking Ban

When the State Senate voted to exempt small restaurants from a proposed law banning smoking in most public places, Senator Nancy Riley made sure that veterans’ clubs would be exempt.

“These Oklahomans put their lives on the line for their country. When they are together in these clubs, they should be able to smoke if they want to,” said Senator Riley.

Riley’s comments came in response to a media report that her amendment would actually ban smoking in veterans clubs.

“That is the exact opposite of what my amendment would do. Again, I want to clarify that my amendment would make sure veterans would have the right to smoke in VFWs or other veterans clubs,” said Riley, R-Sand Springs.

Senator Sam Helton, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Safety, said Senator Riley’s amendment was aimed at helping veterans, not interfering with what they could or could not do in their clubs.

“Senator Riley understands the tremendous sacrifices these individuals made for our country. I applaud her action to ensure they have the right to decide whether to smoke in their own establishments,” said Helton.


For more information, contact:
Senate Communications Division - (405) 521-5774