Thumbs Up
To Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for strengthening the local smokefree policy to include protection from e-cigarette secondhand emissions.
Thumbs Up
To New Jersey for passing a statewide smokefree beach law. Read more: NJ Gov. Phil Murphy Signs Smoking-On-Beach Ban Into Law.
But also,
Thumbs Down
To New Jersey for failing to extend smokefree workplace protections to casino workers – the people most exposed to secondhand smoke and in need of protection.
New Jersey has many indoor places where toxic secondhand smoke still affects worker health: hotels, motels, other lodging, casino and casino simulcast facilities, cigar bars and lounges, and tobacco retail businesses.
Thumbs Down
To Sitka, Alaska, for taking steps to “opt out” of Alaska’s new statewide smokefree workplace law, which takes effect October 1. The City Council agreed to put the “opt out” on the October 2nd ballot after a local bar owner spearheaded an effort to keep smoking indoors. Workers can’t opt out of breathing on their job.
Read more about the situation in Sitka. Also see: KCAW News Story
Thumbs Up
To Texas for reaching the milestone of 100 cities covered by strong local smokefree workplace laws. These local laws protect lives! Texas was also honored at our Clearing The Air Institute in May. Go Texas!
