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December, 2005 |
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Washington State Passes, Implements Nation’s Strictest Smoking Ban
Olympia, WA - Initiative 901, which gives Washington the nation’s strictest statewide smoking ban, was passed on November 8, with 63% of voters supporting the initiative, and went into effect on December 8. The ban calls for prohibiting smoking in all workplaces including bars, restaurants, bowling alleys, minicasinos, and even retail tobacco shops. Also included are most hotel rooms and most other nontribal businesses currently exempted by the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act, which already bans smoking in most public places. The ban also contains a provision for a 25-foot smoke-free buffer around doorways, windows that open, and ventilation intakes, although “passersby” are exempt thanks to a walk-by clause. First-time violators will face warnings. After that, each violation will be punishable by a maximum $100 fine. The measure calls for offending businesses to face suspension of licenses to operate and serve liquor. Seven states require all restaurants to be smoke-free, but exempt bars: Florida, Georgia, Montana, North Dakota, Vermont, Utah and Idaho. In California, the ban on smoking in bars simply moved many smoking sections outside. But I-901’s 25-foot rule would effectively ban smoking on many outdoor patios and sidewalks. However, Washington businesses can seek waivers from the 25-foot buffer if they can show that smoke wouldn’t infiltrate the business. The ban does not apply to any tribal lands, including casinos. The I-901 campaign raised and spent nearly $1.6 million, while opponents raised just $33,171, according to the latest campaign finance reports due Monday at the state Public Disclosure Commission. |
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Chicago Spares Tobacco Retailers in 2006 Smoking Ban; Bars Earn Reprieve until 2008 Chicago - The Chicago city council passed an ordinance in December by a vote of 45-1 to ban smoking in most buildings and public spaces. The ban goes into effect January 16, 2006, while delaying implementation for bars, where smokers will still able to light up for another year-and-a-half. City lawmakers approved the compromise to give taverns as well as bars attached to restaurants until July 1, 2008 to comply with the ban. However, in order to qualify for the grace period, the city will require proof that at least 65 percent of a business’s income is derived from alcohol sales. Meanwhile, retail tobacco stores, private clubs or lodges, selected hotel rooms, and private residences are permanently exempted from the ban. Chicago’s ordinance was first introduced in the council a decade ago but blocked by business interests. The debate has pitted many bar owners and restaurateurs, including former pro football great Mike Ditka, against a variety of public interest groups. While the ordinance bans smokers from lighting up within 15 feet of building entrances or air intakes, it also gives bar owners a potential, if unlikely, opportunity to allow smoking permanently. Owners would have to prove to the city that their establishments feature air filtration or ventilation systems that render patrons’ exposure to secondhand smoke equivalent to the exposure they would receive in the outdoor air around the establishment. Supporters of the ban contend it is unlikely that such technology would exist by 2008. |
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BITS & PIECES
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SMOKESHOP - December, 2005
