Health
Md., Minn. pass smoking bans
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted June 4, 2007
Maryland and Minnesota have now joined the more than 20 states that have passed broad laws to ban smoking in workplaces, restaurants and bars. The AMA is a strong proponent of such laws.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, signed the Freedom to Breathe Act on May 16. This law, which bans smoking in all indoor workplaces, restaurants and bars, will take effect Oct. 1.
AMA President-elect Ron Davis, MD, applauded the states' efforts. "Minnesota was the first state to pass groundbreaking legislation back in 1975, which addressed early concerns about the risks of exposure to secondhand smoke."
A day later, Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley signed into law his state's Clean Indoor Air Act of 2007. That measure also prohibits smoking in all indoor workplaces, including restaurants, bars and private clubs. It will take effect Feb. 1, 2008.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2007/06/04/hlbf0604.htm.