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Utah, curiously, is lagging behind in the worldwide movement to restrict smoking in places where the public gathers.
It simply shouldn’t be!
KSL strongly supports a renewed effort this year to amend Utah’s Clean Air Act to remove an existing exemption for taverns, private clubs, buildings owned and operated by social and fraternal organizations, and certain nonpublic workplaces.
Since Utah became the first state in the nation to go smoke free with the Clean Air Act in 1995, the bandwagon to restrict smoking in public places has gained worldwide momentum. Hundreds of cities have enacted smoke free workplace laws, including Montreal, Dublin and Rome. A dozen states have full bans on indoor workplace smoking.
Yet, many Utah lawmakers resist expanding the state’s smoking restriction, apparently out of concern it would be an infringement of private property rights and personal freedom.
In this instance, KSL believes expanded restrictions are warranted because of the proven health dangers of second hand smoke, as well as the health care costs already imposed on taxpayers because of tobacco use.
For the benefit of all Utahns, KSL urges reluctant lawmakers to reconsider their ideological opposition to amending Utah’s Clean Air Act. It’s time for Utah to resume her leadership role as a smoke free state.
