Originally published February 15 2006
State of New Jersey set to implement indoor smoking ban
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
New Jersey Governor Richard J. Codey has promised to sign into law a smoking ban passed in the House that would prevent indoor smoking in most public places, including restaurants and bars.
It would make New Jersey the 11th state with such a ban, joining Delaware and New York, among others.
The Assembly voted 64-12, with two abstentions, in favor of the bill.
Some lawmakers were swayed by the owners of bars and bowling alleys who have said the law would force many of them to fire employees or close, and will give Atlantic City casinos an advantage.
"It just simply isn't fair," said Assemblyman Joseph Cryan, D-Union County.
It would take effect 90 days after signing.
Codey also plans to sign a law aimed at reducing smoking among high school students by making it illegal to sell cigarettes to anyone under 19.
Many legislators said they disliked the casino exemption, but said it was needed to finally give many workers and the public protection from secondhand smoke.
The measure had broad support from health groups and was strongly endorsed by state Health Commissioner Fred M. Jacobs, a physician and longtime anti-smoking activist.
Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in New Jersey," Jacobs said.
American Heart Association vice president Bill Thompsen said support to end the exemption will grow as the benefits of the smoking ban are seen.
Bar and restaurant owners questioned the need for the ban, asserting that two-thirds of such places already banned smoking, giving patrons plenty of choice.
Although anti-smoking groups contended that the New York ban did not result in lost business, New Jersey bar and restaurant owners said the Big Apple statistics were skewed because they began measurement after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, when business was depressed.
The New Jersey Restaurant Association had suggested lawmakers give businesses the option of voluntarily adopting smoke-free policies, and those that did not could be required to limit smoking to enclosed areas with air-cleaning filters.
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