Smoking Bans Began in 1998
In 1998 California took drastic measures to help non-smokers feel more welcome in restaurants, bars and casinos. They outlawed smoking. In the last ten years, other states such as Arizona, Florida, New York and recently Oregon have followed California’s example. In 2001 law makers argued both sides of the law, however it was passed by a reasonable margin. Two big reasons for the passing of the bill were a healthy work place and a healthy smoke free environment for non-smokers. Oregon has taken its own steps toward setting an example for others to follow.
For years smoking on the job was completely acceptable. As recently as 15 years ago, people were still smoking at their desks during the day. However throughout the 80′s and early 90′s law makers in Oregon again worked to create a healthy work place by banning smoking at indoor job sites. This law guaranteed a smoke free work place for all, but they forgot a few people, those who work in bars, restaurants and casinos. As more and more research came out regarding the health issues with second hand smoke, it was brought to light, it was time for an amendment. In 2001 Oregon decided it was time to create an equal law which would include workers in restaurants and bars. The new law makes smoking in any work place such as casinos or bowling allies illegal for all by 2009.
Dining out is all about the experience. When people describe a positive dining experience, rarely do they describe it having a heavy cloud of smoke. In the past restaurant and bar owners offered both a non and smoking section. However after examining the filtration systems in restaurants, health officials reported increased chances of second hand smoke health problems. This was due largely to ventilation. Smoke can not be properly filtered out with ventilation. The only way to insure a healthy environment is to have smoking only outside. This has an appeal to non-smokers because not only can they dine and actually smell their dinners but they can also not worry about developing other health risks. For restaurant workers, they are able to also rest easy and know their work environment is not causing them cancer.
Some feel the bill takes the rights away from adults to choose what they do to their own bodies. While this may be true, smokers are also taking the same right away from non-smokers. Oregon compromised by allowing smoking out doors. While not everyone agrees with this compromise, all parties agreed.
Smoking can cause serious health problems but smoking is not like alcohol where it only physically effects the consumer. Smoking can effect those all around it. If exposed to second hand smoke, children and non-smokers can become at risk for those same health problems. Some may feel those who work in bars or bingo halls the non-smoker should know the risks associated with second hand smoke. However, previous bills guaranteed a smoke free environment for all, not everyone but those who work in bars or bowling alleys.
Oregon is taking strict steps to enforce this bill as it is something Oregon law makers believe in. There are fines and other consequences for being non-compliant to this bill for business owners. Being healthy and making sure Oregon workers are healthy is something in the forefront in the minds of all Oregon law makers and it should be the same for all Oregonians. No one wakes up one morning and thinking they want to die of lung cancer, it shouldn’t even be an option.
