Sedona, Arizona Votes for Smokefree Workplace Law

By Joseph W. Cherner

Ordinance mirrors upcoming state-wide ballot initiative

On Tuesday, the Sedona (Arizona) City Council unanimously passed a smokefree workplace ordinance, similar to a ballot initiative that is expected to go before Arizona voters in November 2006. Council members said it made sense to base the ordinance on the statewide initiative.

As a sign of the times, not one single member of the public spoke against the ordinance.

The ordinance requires virtually all Sedona workplaces to be smokefree, including restaurants and bars. Smoking will still be allowed in retail tobacco stores.

"ALL workers deserve a safe, healthy, smokefree work environment," said Joe Cherner, founder of BREATHE - Bar and Restaurant Employees Advocating Together for a Healthy Environment. "No worker should have to breathe tobacco smoke pollution to hold a job, because it causes cancer, respiratory illness, and heart disease."

To win smokefree air where YOU live, go to http://www.smokefree.net/alerts.php