Published: February 24, 2006
St. Paul Minnesota Enacts Smokefree Workplace Law
By Joseph W. Cherner 
On Wednesday, St. Paul (Minnesota) Mayor Chris Coleman signed a city ordinance clearing the air in all bars and restaurants. In signing the ordinance Mayor Coleman said, "We know that secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States and is a leading cause of heart disease, cancer and respiratory disease. It would be wrong to stand back and do nothing."
The ordinance takes effect on March 31. Minneapolis (Minnesota) enacted similar legislation two years ago.
Both Mayor Coleman and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak are urging state officials to enact statewide smokefree workplace legislation to make it less confusing for citizens, to level the playing field for businesses, and to give workers statewide the right to a safe, smokefree workplace.
"Smokefree workplace legislation is a matter of respect and dignity for workers," said Joe Cherner, founder of BREATHE (Bar and Restaurant Employees Advocating Together for a Healthy Environment). "No one should have to breathe polluted indoor air to hold a job."
To send a FREE letter in support of clean indoor air where YOU live, go to http://www.smokefree.net/alerts.php
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