From: Joe@smokefree.org
Date: Tue, 01/31/06
Capital of Illinois Adopts Smokefree Workplace Law
Springfield joins New York, Boston, Washington, and San Francisco
Parts excerpted from the Associated Press, 1/18/06
SPRINGFIELD, IL-- Springfield, the capital of Illinois, is going smokefree.
On Tuesday night, the Springfield City Council voted 6-4 in favor of clean
indoor air for virtually all workplaces, including restaurants, bars, and
bowling alleys. Springfield's taverns and restaurants with bars have until
Sept. 17 to phase in the ordinance proposed by Mayor Tim Davlin.
Davlin, whose brother owns two bars, originally opposed smoking restrictions,
but a series of public hearings convinced him that the community wanted the
clean indoor air law. "I'd ask that we vote yes on this and let us get this
behind us," Davlin told the aldermen before the vote.
"Clearly this has been a long campaign for all of us," said Alderman Bruce
Strom, who voted for the smokefree workplace law and proposed a similar
ordinance last year. "This ordinance protects workers, patrons, and families
from secondhand smoke."
"Smokefree workplace legislation is a matter of respect and dignity for
workers," says Joe Cherner, founder of BREATHE (Bar and Restaurant Employees
Advocating Together for a Healthy Environment). "All workers deserve a safe
workplace, free of cancer-causing pollutants."
Hundreds of U.S. cities have enacted smokefree workplace laws including New
York, Boston, Washington DC, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
To send a FREE letter in support of 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
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