Smoking Bans Since 1998
Posted on July 31, 2008
Filed Under Wellness |
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In 1998 California took drastic measures to help non-smokers feel more welcome in restaurants, bars and casinos. They outlawed smoking. In the last ten years, other states such as Arizona, Florida, New York and recently Oregon have followed California’s example. In 2001 law makers argued both sides of the law, however it was passed by a reasonable margin. Two big reasons for the passing of the bill were a healthy work place and a healthy smoke free environment for non-smokers. Oregon has taken its own steps toward setting an example for others to follow.
For years smoking on the job was completely acceptable. As recently as 15 years ago, people were still smoking at their desks during the day. However throughout the 80’s and early 90’s law makers in Oregon again worked to create a healthy work place by banning smoking at indoor job sites. This law guaranteed a smoke free work place for all, but they forgot a few people, those who work in bars, restaurants and casinos. As more and more research came out regarding the health issues with second hand smoke, it was brought to light, it was time for an amendment. In 2001 Oregon decided it was time to create an equal law which would include workers in restaurants and bars. The new law makes smoking in any work place such as casinos or bowling allies illegal for all by 2009.
Dining out, club hopping, a bowling date, all of these things should be remembered as an experience, not as an experience in a cloud of smoke. In the past restaurant and bar owners offered both a non and smoking section. However after examining the filtration systems in restaurants, health officials reported increased chances of second hand smoke health problems. Smoke does not filter out to the outside because of the ventilation systems in buildings. This makes the smoke stale and thick. Many people avoid places such as these because of this one reason! Then once the health risks are added, no one wants to smell and have cancer at the same time! The only way to insure a healthy environment is to have smoking outside. This has an appeal to non-smokers because not only can they dine and actually smell their dinners but they can also not worry about developing other health risks. For restaurant workers, they are able to also rest easy and know their work environment is not causing them cancer.
Some opponents to the bill felt it was taking away the right for an adult to choose what they do to their own bodies. However what they failed to see what by smoking in public places the smoker is taking away the right for a non-smoker to be healthy. In Oregon a compromise was made, smoking would be allowed outdoors. While this does not agree with everyone on each side of the issue, it is a fair compromise for bars and restaurants which have outdoor seating available.
Smoking can cause serious health problems but smoking is not like alcohol where it only physically effects the consumer. Smoking can effect those all around it. If exposed to second hand smoke, children and non-smokers can become at risk for those same health problems. Some may feel those who work in bars or bingo halls the non-smoker should know the risks associated with second hand smoke. However, previous bills guaranteed a smoke free environment for all, not everyone but those who work in bars or bowling alleys.
Health and fair working conditions are something Oregon law makers truly believe in. Oregon is taking strong steps toward those who are noncompliant with the new bill. There are fines and other consequences for those found to be in violation of the new law. No one should have to make the choice between having health problems and not simply so they can get a job or eat out.
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