A National Legal-Action Antismoking Organization
Entirely Supported by Tax-Deductible Contributions
| Home | Search | About ASH | Why Join | Comment | Email page |
|
Action on Smoking and Health
A National Legal-Action Antismoking Organization Entirely Supported by Tax-Deductible Contributions
|
CT Bars Begin Smoking Ban April 1 [03/30-3]
Excerpts from: The Smoke Clears Thursday In State's Bars
By The Day [03/29/04]
Owners of small bars and cafes are waving white flags this week as they
reluctantly begin implementing a new state law that bans smoking in their
establishments.
The law takes effect on Thursday. Earlier this month smokers and bar owners pleaded with lawmakers to exempt one-room bars and establishments that have separate smoking rooms or high-tech air filtration systems.
As of April 1 bars with cafe or tavern permits will be required to post signs saying smoking is prohibited in their establishments by state law. Failure to post a sign is punishable by a fine of up to $99.
Local police departments are already on the case, and bars and cafes that have repeated violations risk losing their liquor permits, said Sen. Christopher Murphy, D-Southington, one of the architects of the legislation.
Murphy called the new bill a “worker protection law.” He said it protects the health and lives of the waiters, bartenders and other restaurant workers who labor in enclosed, smoky environments for long hours.
Connecticut anti-smoking advocates cite a new Massachusetts study that found a reduction of airborne carcinogen levels by 90 percent to 95 percent in bars after a smoking ban took effect there in May. The study compared air quality tests in six Boston bars before the ban and six months after. It was conducted by James Hyde, an associate professor at Tufts University School of Medicine.
A few establishments are exempt from the law, including private clubs with liquor permits as of May 1 and tobacco bars. Smoking in outside seating that has a ceiling or another type of covering is prohibited, but uncovered patios can have a small, designated smoking section.
| Home Web Page | Search This Site | Learn About ASH | Why Join ASH | Comment on This | Email This Page |