Published: February 01, 2006
Nation's Capital Enacts Smokefree Workplace Law
By Joseph W. Cherner
Mayor allows bill passed by Council 11-1 to become law
The District of Columbia joined eleven U.S. states in enacting comprehensive smokefree workplace legislation. The law, which passed the DC Council 11-1, requires restaurant dining areas to become smokefree immediately (pending completion of a mandatory Congressional review) and will extend to all district workplaces, including bars, on January 1, 2007.
"The capital of the United States has enacted smokefree workplace legislation for all workers, including restaurant and bar workers," says Joe Cherner, founder of BREATHE (Bar and Restaurant Employees Advocating Together for a Healthy Environment). "Tobacco smoke is universally recognized to cause cancer and other diseases. No one should have to breathe it to hold a job."
One potential loophole in the law allows for hardship waivers. Regulations for such waivers will be written shortly. Health groups have vowed to lobby for the strictest waiver language possible, but ultimately only the Mayor and Council will make such a determination.
In the U.S., California, Delaware, New York, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Montana, Vermont, Washington and New Jersey have enacted comprehensive smokefree workplace legislation. (Nine additional states are considering it.)
Worldwide, the entire countries of Ireland, Italy, Norway, Sweden, New Zealand, Uganda, Malta, Uruguay, and Bhutan have enacted such legislation.
To win smokefree air where YOU live, go to
http://www.smokefree.net/alerts.php
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