By Bruce Schreiner
The Associated Press

LOUISVILLE - As talk of a possible smoking ban heats up in Kentucky's largest city, a state legislator Wednesday said he would try to get the General Assembly to block local governments from snuffing out cigarettes.

Republican Sen. Dan Seum said he is reacting to anti-smoking activists who could be expected to push for a ban on smoking in Louisville's public buildings, including bars and restaurants.

No such ordinance has yet been introduced in the Metro Council. But Seum said a smoking ban passed this year in Lexington might be spread to Louisville.

"I think the government has no business dictating to a private business how to conduct business," said Seum, a former restaurateur.

Seum's idea is to bar any government from imposing a smoking ban in any building outside its control. If enacted, it would make Lexington's ordinance void.

Lexington's smoking ordinance, which is to take effect Sept. 29, would ban smoking in most public buildings, such as restaurants.