posted May 31, 2007
The Tennesse House joined the Senate on Thursday in approving a sweeping smoke-free workplace bill.
The legislation bans smoking in restaurants, but bars are exempt.
The vote in the House was 84-10. The vote in the Senate last week was 22-5.
Smoke-Free Tennessee Campaign Director Chastity Mitchell hailed the vote. She said, “Today’s actions are historic and will raise the bar for the public health culture in tobacco producing states. We are thrilled with today’s actions – and more importantly – are thrilled for our fellow Tennessee workers.
"By voting for smoke-free workplace protection, the Legislature responded to the call of 73 percent of registered Tennessee voters, the Campaign for a Healthy and Responsible Tennessee, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, the Tennessee Medical Association, the Tennessee Public Health Association, the AFL-CIO, the Tennessee Primary Care Association and numerous public health organizations."
She said the group "will continue to advocate for all Tennesseans to be under the same protections."
As passed, the major exclusions in this smoke-free legislation include: bars with access to persons 21 and older at all times, private clubs, businesses with three or fewer employees, and establishments with at least one completely open garage type door on one or more sides.
“It is our firm position that no one – no matter where you work – should have to choose between a paycheck and your health,” said Shelby Logsdon, executive director of the Campaign for a Healthy and Responsible Tennessee. “CHART will continue to advocate for 100 percent comprehensive protection for all workers next year and well into the future.”
The American Cancer Society also lauded the vote.
Amy Fields said the Cancer Society "is extremely pleased that the members of the Tennessee House of Representatives have passed a smoke-free bill by an overwhelming margin, clearly illustrating strong support for smoke-free workplaces across our state.
"This bill will make most of Tennessee’s workplaces, including restaurants, safe from secondhand smoke. Although it will allow some businesses, like stand-alone bars, to allow smoking, we feel it is a great starting point.
"On behalf of our volunteers, staff, cancer patients, cancer survivors and their loved ones, the American Cancer Society applauds this legislation which, when enacted, will help save lives in Tennessee.
"While this smoke-free policy is an historic public health policy for Tennessee, it represents a first step along the path to protecting 100% of our state’s workforce from secondhand smoke."
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