From: tac@cheztac.com
Date: Mon, 04/03/06
Smokefree Workplace Law Takes Effect Today!
Greetings! The smokefree workplace law takes effect today, Monday, April
3! It is a two-phase law, so as of today it is illegal to smoke in most
indoor public workplaces, including offices, apartment lobbies and the
dining areas of restaurants. On Jan. 1, 2007, the portion of the law
pertaining to bars, nightclubs, taverns and bar areas of restaurants
will take effect.
For more information about the new law, go to
http://www.smokefreedc.org/word_files/smokefree-law-facts.doc. If you
want to read the text of the law, go to
http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/images/00001/20060113145752.pdf .
The press has been pretty good with explaining the first phase of the
law. We were disappointed with Channel 8 for ending its story last
night with a barfly's uninformed opinion that New York City's bar
business had been hurt by the law. It's amazing that the media will use
economic quotes with no backing or credibility and present them as fact.
Here are some links to stories from the print media:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/03/AR200604
0300356.html
http://www.examiner.com/Search-a66101~D_C__implements_first_phase_of_smo
king_ban.html
http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=743727
Remember also that tonight at 7 p.m., Smokefree DC will hold its annual
membership meeting at Busboys and Poets, 1390 V St. NW. We will have our
annual board election and provide information about the new law. A
representative from the Department of Health will also be on hand to
discuss the city's involvement in informing establishments about the
law. Please come out for it -- we'll keep it short, there will still be
plenty of time to watch basketball afterwards!
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