Senator David Myers has proposed legislation that would make it illegal to smoke in any public place in Oklahoma. It is currently illegal in state buildings, and in restaurants, but Myers' bill would make it illegal to smoke in restaurants, and all other public places.

His concern, he says, is for the workers, who he feels have no choice but to work in those jobs, and breathe the second-hand smoke.

Some Oklahomans feel this is too invasive. KSWO News inteviewed Diana Davidson:

Diana Davidson is a customer at a local bar. She's used to smoking there, and both she and her bartender like it that way. "We're all citizens of the United States of America," Davidson says. "We have our rights to do what we want to do, and if you don't like what's going on, then get up and walk out."

Such bans are becoming more common, nationwide, although some are mandated by the states and some are mandated by businesss or industries. Smoke Free USA gives a breakdown of current smoking bans in the United States. In California, there is a move toward smoke-free apartments and condos. At the Corporate Level, health organizations like the Wellness Councils of America are helping employers to enforce smoking bans in the workplace when smoking is otherwise allowed by the state.

Labels: smoking

Posted at 2/08/2008 12:31:00 PM