Public Smoking Ban Clears House Committee
On a bi-partisan 16-6 vote, the House Commerce Committee approved a statewide smoking ban today designed to improve the health of Iowans. The bill was approved with two additional exemptions, casinos and federally chartered veterans organizations that are closed to the public.
“Second hand smoke contains 60 chemicals that cause cancer, asthma and other respiratory diseases,” said State Representative Tyler Olson, D-Cedar Rapids, who managed the bill in committee. “There is no risk-free second hand smoke exposure for Iowans or workers. This creation of smoke-free places will protect Iowans in 99% of public places and workplaces, including bars and restaurants.”
House Study Bill 537, creates smoke-free areas in public places such as workplaces, outdoor sports arenas, stadiums, bars and restaurants, public transit stations and within 50 feet of school grounds. Private residences are not required to be smoke-free.
“Food service workers have a 50% greater chance of dying from lung cancer than the general population,” said State Representative Janet Petersen, D-Des Moines, and chair of the House Commerce Committee. “This is about protecting the health of Iowans visiting public places and workers who often don’t have a choice where to work.”
February 10th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
My wife and I are very happy that this bill is being considered and we hope it passes as it is and quickly.
My wife has a lung disease called sarcoidosis. It makes her cough when she comes in contact with smoke fumes. Since this disease has been diagnosed we have found that many restaurants have smoking areas that don’t have any way of keeping the smoke in that area. So, we end up not going to those restaurants. Also, we miss one of the biggest entertainment venues in Polk County and we can’t go to it because it allows smokers to smoke (the casino).
We also take the bus and find it difficult to wait on Walnut in the bus shelters for a Bus because so many smokers take over the shelters as their smoking lounge.
We applaud the businesses that have gone smoke free on their own. Like the Waveland café. They changed to non-smoking and have not lost any business because of it.
February 25th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Thank you for your support. The bill is making its way through the Senate now. This bill was bipartisan and we appreciate the comment!
February 28th, 2008 at 10:48 am
I to support the bill and hope that the new revised one form the senate passes the house quickly and the govener signs it fast. I to am a ex-smoker, and have found that there is very few places that i can take my family, or just my wife and I without having to deal with smoke. If they have a choice to smoke, why don’t we have a choice to breathe. I appliad the bill