From: tac@cheztac.com
Date: Mon, 01/01/07
Greetings smokefree supporters!
The time is drawing near. On Tuesday, Jan. 2, the new smokefree
workplace law - the law that you helped make a reality - takes effect.
That means you should be able to walk into almost any bar or restaurant
in the city and take a deep breath of clean air (there are some
exemptions; see www.smokefreedc.org for more details about the law).
If you encounter someone smoking in an establishment that should be
smokefree (which is pretty much all restaurants and bars), please report
the violation. You can call the Department of Health at 202-671-5000 or
fill out a violation form at http://www.smokefreedc.org/violation.
Please report violations when you see them. Remember, the law was passed
because secondhand smoke causes diseases, and our public officials
finally decided these toxins should no longer be allowed in the
workplace (bars and restaurants are workplaces too). If someone is
violating that law, they are violating the rights of workers and patrons
of that establishment, and you have a right to report them. Note: your
name and e-mail address will be kept confidential.
Regulation update
You will recall that we recently sent you a notice about the very bad
rules that outgoing Mayor Anthony Williams drafted to implement this
law. Those rules would gut the law -- allowing, for instance, businesses
that show a mere 5 percent drop in business to get an economic hardship
waiver. (New York state requires a 15 percent drop in business for a
waiver.)
Fortunately, the Council did not approve those rules. We expect incoming
Mayor Adrian Fenty to send new, stronger regulations to the new Council.
(Adrian Fenty was one of the original supporters of comprehensive
smokefree workplace legislation in the District). When he does, we will
let you know.
Help make the law a success
We have one more request, and that is for you to help make the law a
success. Starting Jan. 2, please patronize bars and restaurants that you
have been avoiding because of the smoke. Tell the management that you
are there because the establishment is smokefree, that you avoided the
place previously and you plan to return often. Some establishment owners
are genuinely concerned that this new law will hurt their business (even
though businesses have thrived in every jurisdiction that has passed
this kind of law) and it will be helpful for them to know that clean air
attracts customers.
Thank you again. Here's to a Smokefree 2007!
Your Friends at Smokefree DC
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