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To send an ez-letter in support of smokefree workplace laws,

go to http://www.smokefree.org

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January 18, 2003, USA...On the heels of decisions by New York City and Boston to go smokefree, cities nationwide are coming to similar conclusions.  Dallas is expected to vote on smokefree workplace legislation this Wednesday (January 22).  Denver, Chicago, Bloomington, Indianapolis, Austin, and many others will be voting shortly.

 

Suffolk County, NY will vote on January 28.  Westchester County, NY will vote in March.

 

"The reason for smokefree workplace legislation is simple," says Joe Cherner, president of SmokeFree Educational Services, Inc, the largest smokefree advocacy group in the country.  "Tobacco smoke causes disease.  No worker should have to breathe it to hold a job."

 

A major shift in the political climate has occurred as data from smokefree cities shows that smokefree air is both good for health and good for business.  Restaurant associations, including those in California, New York, and Massachusetts, have called on legislators to protect the health of workers.  In addition, public opinion polls show overwhelming support among voters for smokefree workplace laws.  More than 70% of Florida voters passed an amendment to Florida's constitution last November requiring smokefree workplaces.

 

"At this point, legislators would have to be blind or stupid not to support smokefree workplace laws," adds Cherner.  "Legislators can protect public health, support business, and win votes, all at the same time."

 

The only opposition to smokefree workplace laws comes from tobacco interests, notably some tavern owners, who believe that clean air is bad for business.  In many cases, the tavern owners themselves smoke and want to continue smoking around their employees.

 

California started the smokefree movement eight years ago when it passed the first state law to make all workplaces smokefree.  Recent polls show that 75% of California bar owners and 80% of California bar-goers now support smokefree workplace legislation (up from 50% several years ago).

 

Joseph W. Cherner, President
SmokeFree Educational Services, Inc.
http://www.smokefree.org

 

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."       Margaret Mead