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Ed Yeates ReportingPlaces once considered okay to smoke aren't okay anymore. Utah's new, amended Indoor Clean Air Act goes into effect next Monday. People who once had a bench and an ash container will find it even harder now to find a spot to smoke.
While provisions in the old law haven't changed, new restrictions added to the current law are closing down what were once free zones to smoke.
Lena Dibble, St. Health Tobacco Prevention & Control Program: "It's not about trying to take away people's rights, but it is about trying to improve people's health and giving everybody the opportunity to be healthy."
Under the new law, there is to be no more smoking in newly licensed taverns, bars and private clubs as of May 15th. Formerly licensed businesses will have to comply by January, 2009.
Also, no smoking in fraternal or religious clubs and organizations, even those used solely by its members or invited guests.
Though it's been allowed before, now there will be no more smoking in any private elementary or secondary school -- inside, outside, or after hours.
One new provision that really tightens the screws involves private gatherings like weddings or social events. Any private party in any building or room that you lease, even when the general public is not invited, smoking is now prohibited. These restrictions apply even though the gathering is entirely under the supervision of the sponsor.
And even though it was allowed before, no more smoking in any child care center --licensed or unlicensed-- when any single child of a client is being cared for.
Though some may argue these new provisions are too restrictive, State Health says, based on continuing research of second hand smoke, the debate is over.
Lena Dibble: "I think the argument is dwindling as people start to realize the health effects of smoking. There really is no constitutional right to smoke. But that really that's not what we want to focus on. We just want to educate people about these risks, why we want to encourage smoke-free environments."
The new law now really brings into question spots in which an outside smoking spot is partly in and partly outside the 25 foot limit to the building's entrance.
