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Action on Smoking and Health
A National Legal-Action Antismoking Organization Entirely Supported by Tax-Deductible Contributions
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New Mexico Voters Support a Statewide Ban on Smoking [01/06-5]
Excerpts from: Poll backs a ban on smoking
By Ed Asher Albuquerque Tribune [01/05/05]
By a 2-to-1 ratio, New Mexico voters would support a statewide law to prohibit smoking in most public places, including workplaces, restaurants and public buildings, according to a recent survey.
The public opinion poll found that 62 percent of voters favor such a law.
The poll was conducted by Research and Polling Inc. on commission by New Mexicans Concerned About Tobacco, a coalition of anti-smoking groups.
"Whether you're a Democrat or a Republican, whether you're liberal or conservative, registered voters favor such a workplace law," Research and Polling President Brian Sanderoff said.
The coalition announced Tuesday that it will support a proposal for a state law modeled on Albuquerque's clean indoor air ordinance, which prohibits smoking in workplaces and restaurants.
State Rep. Al Park, an Albuquerque Democrat, said he is drafting the bill.
"We must do something so people all across New Mexico can go into restaurants without having to worry about having an asthma attack," Park said.
The survey released Tuesday also found that 83 percent of voters say exposure to secondhand smoke is a serious or moderate health hazard, while 9 percent called it a minor hazard and 4 percent "not a hazard."
And 88 percent agreed that "all New Mexico workers should be protected from exposure to secondhand smoke in the workplace."
"This law would give people, particularly people with respiratory problems, the freedom to go out again, the freedom to go out and a have a meal and shop with family and friends," said Dona Upson, a pulmonary specialist with the University of New Mexico Hospital.
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