From: bill@smokescreen.org
Date: Fri, 09/19/03
To send letters to key state officials in support of smokefree
workplace legislation in MA, go to www.smokefree.net/MA
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HOUSE COULD CLEAR AIR WITH SMOKING BAN
By Elisabeth J. Beardsley
Boston (MA) Herald
2003-09-18
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/smok09182003.htm
A statewide smoking ban in all bars, restaurants and workplaces
probably will emerge from the Legislature by the end of the year,
House officials said.
Anti-smoking activists are lobbying hard in the House - the main
Beacon Hill holdout - after senators went along with a statewide ban
earlier this year.
House Health Care Chairman Peter J. Koutoujian said the concept of a
statewide smoking ban is ``gathering more support'' among lawmakers
as more cities and towns pass local bans.
``More of those legislators are asking that we pass a statewide ban
because each of their own public officials on the municipal level as
well as the employers want to make sure that they're not losing
business to the next town over,'' Koutoujian (D-Newton) said.
On Oct. 1, Cambridge and Somerville will bring the tally of
smoke-free cities and towns - including Boston - to 93 out of 351
statewide.
``We have reached beyond a critical mass,'' said Rep. Rachel
Kaprielian (D-Watertown), a leading anti-smoking advocate.
Lawmakers still need to agree on a phase-in period for the ban, as
well as exemptions for nursing home residents, Koutoujian said.
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