OKCTalk has learned from a number of restaurant and bar operators the smoking laws are almost certain to change very soon.

The Oklahoma Restaurant Association (ORA), the main lobbying group for the food service industry in the state, has decided to work with legislators on the new law, in the hope they can help shape it. It seems they have accepted the fact things are going to change so they will shift their focus to softening the impact to their members.

Look for a new bill to be introduced next month. It would ban smoking in all public places (including bars and restaurants) but would allow one year to comply. Currently, any bar that only admits those over 21 can allow smoking. Also, bars and restaurants can operate smoking rooms as long as they meet guidelines for separation and ventilation.

The current restrictions became effective on March 1, 2006, at which time several restaurants opted to spend considerable sums to create new smoking areas.

It seems one compromise the ORA is hoping to achieve is to minimize the distance from a door that smoking can occur, and effectively allow smoking on most patios. Also, they are hoping to make exceptions for tobacco and cigar retailers.

If the new law makes it out of committee in the current session, most feel it will have enough votes to pass. There is the possibility it won't make it that far, but those in the industry have pretty much accepted the reality it would only be delayed one more year, if then.

We've been told that bankers are no longer loaning money to businesses where their plan is strongly tied to indoor smoking, as they are confident of the law changing in the next year or two.

Also, I know some restaurants and bars that allow smoking are already making plans for the switch.

At 25.2%, Oklahoma's smoking rate among adults is the 4th highest in the country, behind only Kentucky, West Virginia, and Mississippi.

Oklahoma is one of only 13 states that does not have a statewide smoking ban.

Texas is set to consider a ban in the coming year but unlike Oklahoma, allows counties and cities to establish their own regulations. Currently, over 100 cities in Texas have instituted smoking bans.

The current Oklahoma law specifically prohibits cities from instituting smoking bans more restrictive than the state regulations.