News Release
For Immediate Release
January 14, 2009
Contact:
Aaron Zappia
(215) 657-7700
Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial Calls for Expansion of
State Smoking Ban, Praises Greenleaf's Efforts
A January 9th
Philadelphia Inquirer editorial, "Expand the ban", calls for the closing
of loopholes written into the Pennsylvania Clean Indoor Air Act that took effect
in September of 2008.
The editorial states, "State Senator Stewart Greenleaf (R., Montgomery,
Bucks) has the right idea in proposing legislation closing the loopholes
allowing smoking at casinos, bars and private clubs." ("Expand the ban."
Editorial. Philadelphia Inquirer 9 Jan. 2009.)
The editorial follows Greenleaf's recent announcement of legislation that would
close loopholes in the law such as those made for drinking establishments where
food sales amount to 20% or less of total sales; gaming floors; private clubs;
residential care facilities; fundraisers; tobacco promotion events; and full
service truck stops. His bill would also allow local governments at the county,
township, and city level to enact stricter laws than the state law.
"I believe
that the current exceptions can create confusion and make it harder to implement
the law," said Greenleaf. "Furthermore, they provide for an unlevel playing
field when some establishments must comply while others do not."
The Clean
Indoor Air Act arrives two years after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) declared cigarette smoke a class 'A' carcinogen, the agency's rating for
the most lethal of cancer causing substances.
According to
the EPA, there is no safe level of secondhand smoke. It is estimated that over
53,000 non-smokers die each year due to exposure.
Greenleaf
said, "We have fought long and hard, and have won a major victory for the health
of Pennsylvanians. The current Clean Indoor Air Act removes secondhand smoke
from about 95% of workplaces and public areas in this Commonwealth. The
adoption of these new amendments will provide Pennsylvania with a more
comprehensive smoking ban."
Click Here to read the full Philadelphia Inquirer editorial
