Health
Hotel chain goes smoke-free
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Dec. 26, 2005
Anti-tobacco activists are cheering Westin Hotels & Resorts' decision this month to become the first chain of hotels to ban smoking in guest rooms and public areas.
The policy goes into effect in January 2006.
"The Westin hotel chain has shown outstanding leadership in protecting the health of its employees and guests," said AMA Trustee Ron Davis, MD. "I hope other hotels and hotel chains adopt similar policies." The AMA supports the banning of smoking in all indoor public spaces.
In a related development, Chicago's City Council passed an ordinance requiring most indoor spaces to become smoke-free by mid-January, although bars have until 2008 to clear the air. The AMA termed the development a postive step but one that did little in the short run to protect the health of restaurant and bar workers.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/12/26/hlbf1226.htm.
