From: Joe@smokefree.org
Date: Mon, 01/30/06
Nation's Capital Enacts Smokefree Workplace Law
Mayor allows bill passed by Council 11-1 to become law
WASHINGTON DC, 1/30/06-- Today, the District of Columbia joined eleven U.S.
states in enacting comprehensive smokefree workplace legislation. The law,
which passed the DC Council 11-1, requires restaurant dining areas to become
smokefree immediately (pending completion of a mandatory Congressional review)
and will extend to all district workplaces, including bars, on January 1, 2007.
"The capital of the United States has enacted smokefree workplace legislation
for all workers, including restaurant and bar workers," says Joe Cherner,
founder of BREATHE (Bar and Restaurant Employees Advocating Together for a
Healthy Environment). "Tobacco smoke is universally recognized to cause cancer
and other diseases. No one should have to breathe it to hold a job."
One potential loophole in the law allows for hardship waivers. Regulations for
such waivers will be written shortly. Health groups have vowed to lobby for the
strictest waiver language possible, but ultimately only the Mayor and Council
will make such a determination.
In the U.S., California, Delaware, New York, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts,
Rhode Island, Montana, Vermont, Washington and New Jersey have enacted
comprehensive smokefree workplace legislation. (Nine additional states are
considering it.)
Worldwide, the entire countries of Ireland, Italy, Norway, Sweden, New Zealand,
Uganda, Malta, Uruguay, and Bhutan have enacted such legislation.
To win smokefree air where YOU live, go to http://www.smokefree.net/alerts.php
Joseph W. Cherner
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the
world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
| 
