Don’t get sneaky with smoke ban

Editorial from the Wisconsin State Journal posted on May 14: http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/opinion/editorial/article_fc64113c-5fac-11df-97c9-001cc4c03286.html

The last thing Wisconsin needs this summer as the state transitions to a ban on smoking in the workplace is for tavern owners to try to sneak around the real intent of the new law.

Starting July 5, all workplaces in Wisconsin must be smoke-free. The Legislature and Gov. Jim Doyle deserve credit for finally accomplishing this much-needed state policy.

The law is a huge boost for the health of state residents - especially those who work in places that, until now, have allowed a heavy haze of second-hand smoke to fill indoor spaces.

So, as we said when the law passed a year ago - with the now-imminent implementation date of July 5 - three cheers for this long-needed change.

Now, we hope owners of bars and taverns don't try to manipulate the part of the law that allows for smoking on outdoor patios and other outside places. Even allowing for smoking in outdoor areas was a compromise needed to get the overall law passed, so it's in the best interest of everyone if that provision is upheld as intended.

There was some chatter around the topic last week because Gov. Jim Doyle signed a bill that clarified part of the original law related to the definition of enclosed spaces versus outdoor spaces. Smoking is banned in enclosed spaces, but not outdoors. So if a bar owner creates a new "outdoor" patio that happens to have four walls, a roof and lots of windows to open, is it OK to smoke there? Answer: it shouldn't be.

Let's not play games or get cute in trying to sneak around the new law. No smoking indoors - it's that simple. And let's not try to reinvent the definition of outdoors in an attempt to let people smoke in what really is an indoor facility.

We're sure it won't take smokers long to get used to stepping outside - truly outside - to enjoy their habit. And everyone else inside can continue to breathe easier.

View other Editorials online

http://www.sheboyganpress.com/article/20100517/SHE06/5170369/1109/Editorial--Smoking-ban-tweak-unlevels-playing-field

http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20100516/APC0602/5160449/1036/APC06/Editorial--Smoke-ban-loophole-shows-absurdity-at-Capitol

http://www.thenorthwestern.com/article/20100518/OSH0602/5180414/1190/Editorial--Loophole-in-smoking-ban-insignificant