February 28, 2005, 5:54 PM EST



TRENTON, N.J. -- Braving snow and chilly winds, about 25 anti-smoking activists rallied on the Statehouse steps Monday to urge lawmakers to ban smoking in all indoor public places, including bars and restaurants.



The state's chapter of the American Cancer Society was joined by the Black Ministers Council of New Jersey in supporting the ban.



Activists had hoped the measure would be heard Monday by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. But that panel had scheduled discussion on separate legislation that would ban smoking in college dormitories.



According to Alfred Ashford, chief medical officer of the Cancer Society's eastern division, secondhand smoke kills 65,000 Americans each year, while worker smoke breaks and worker absences cost employers nearly $300 billion annually.



Ashford also disputed claims of lost business, saying smoke-free bars and restaurants actually gain patrons thanks to the cleaner surroundings.



The rally follows a radio advertising campaign the society began in mid-February to raise awareness of the issue and legislation.



The organization urged state residents to support the measure by calling acting Gov. Richard J. Codey's office. The Cancer Society has also distributed leaflets at train stations in northern New Jersey.



Deborah Dowdell, president of the New Jersey Restaurant Association, said her organization supports a statewide smoking ban that does not offer any exemptions.



Dowdell said the bill in question exempts casinos, private clubs and fraternal organizations, "all of which compete for the same food dollar that owners of restaurants and bars compete for."