Clean Lungs · Monday February 5, 2007
Following in the smart (and successful) footsteps of Ireland, Scotland, Norway, and a handful of other European countries, England is set to ban public smoking–including in pubs and bars–on July 1st of this year. This is lovely news for those of us non-smokers who would like to come home after a night out without smelling like an effing chimney and aching lungs. And the EU Health Commissioner is talking about a continent-wide ban to be implemented by 2009. Go EU.
This leaves me with a big question: OREGON, WHERE YOU AT? One of the most environmentally conscious and politically progressive states in the U.S. still lacks restrictions on smoking indoors in bars and restaurants. British Columbia did it. Voters in Washington State banned it. Frigging New York State did it as well. To my Oregon readers and friends: why not start a ballot measure? I’m sure there would be widespread support for such an initiative.
If you are interested in other issues surrounding smoking, cigarettes, politics, and the Internet, please consider buying the new Microphones 7” which includes the deep rocker “Don’t Smoke.” It’s good stuff.
UPDATE
According to this post on the Portland Mercury’s blog, the Oregon Senate Judiciary committee is examining a package of bills that would ban smoking in all places of employment, including bars. Ah, the possibility of delicious crepes at Le Happy without the drawback of secondhand smoke…lovely.
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scootwes writes:
As you well know, I live in Oregon, and I’m pretty sure the only buildings that smoking is allowed are pubs/taverns, and restaurants with a separate smoking section, although most restaurants ban smoking entirely. Somebody correct me if I’m wrong. And your point is well taken. Now if they would just ban smoking hallucigens in the Oval Office.
posted Feb 7, 12:22 AM ~ #
(0v0) writes:
in the fall, new york city banned hydrogenated oils in retaurant-cooking. now that is what i call state-led social change. so delicious.
posted Feb 8, 10:23 PM ~ #