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Below you will find a collection of news stories that we thought may interest our visitors. The stories cover the topics of smoking bans, lawsuits, news, taxes and more. This page is updated frequently with new links and information, so be sure to bookmark it and check back often to keep up to date on topics of interest to smokers.
Police Break Up Smokers Protest
Columbus.com, OH
July 2, 2004
Police were called to a Columbus street early Friday after some smokers decided to protest the city's smoking ban. Protesters reportedly assembled outside the bar, held up signs and sat in chairs in the middle of the street, expressing disapproval of the new citywide smoking ban. Police later arrived and put a few demonstrators in their cruisers, Dal Ponte reported.
Smokers Ostracized in Purdue Community
Purdue Exponent
July 1, 2004
When Karl Stolley is outside of a building before class, it’s not uncommon for people exiting or entering the building to roll their eyes at him. Or the less subtle wave their hand in front of their face in annoyance. All because Stolley, a Ph.D. student in the School of Liberal Arts, is smoking a cigarette.
Smokers Head For the Border to Avoid Cigarette Tax Increase
St. Joseph Herald Palladium, MI
July 1, 2004
Today, a 75-cent-per-pack cigarette tax increase takes effect in Michigan. The tax increase, which levies a total tax of $2 per pack on Michigan cigarettes compared to a 55.5 cent per-pack tax in Indiana, is going to have a significant effect on businesses, say people on both sides of the border. In New Buffalo Township, minutes from the Indiana state line, the last gas station in Michigan stocks only one shelf of cigarettes.
At Stroke of Midnight, It's Outside For Smokers
Lawrence Journal World, KS
June 30, 2004
At midnight tonight, indoor smoking at most public places will become illegal in Lawrence. Whether anybody stubs out their cigarettes at the stroke of midnight remains to be seen. And how strictly the law will be enforced is another question. But smokers seem to be resigning themselves to the inevitable.
Smokers Resigned to Statewide Ban
Framingham Metro West Daily News, MA
June 26, 2004
Under the workplace smoking ban signed into law by Gov. Mitt Romney earlier this month, lighting up will be forbidden in all workplaces with one or more employees come July 5, with a penalty of fines for both business owners and violators. Such a ban, already enacted in five other states, is meant to reduce exposure to carcinogenic secondhand smoke, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Web site.
Smoking Ban Backer a Firebrand
Pioneer Press, Minn
May 7, 2004
St. Paul City Council Member Dave Thune is 53 and has a pierced ear and a graying and well-trimmed beard that goes with his full head of graying hair. His council adventures have ranged from championing the city's gay rights ordinance to fighting for neighborhoods to opposing a baseball stadium. Now he wants to ban smoking in the city's 1,000-plus bars and restaurants.
Lawrence's Smoking Ban and the Music Scene - Up in Smoke
Lawrence.com, KS
May 7, 2004
Live music and cigarette smoking share a long history together. Picture a weathered jazz musician with puffs of smoke hovering over his piano. However, the Lawrence City Commission decided to bust up the happy couple this week by voting to approve a health ordinance that would ban smoking in "all enclosed public places." While a handful of people are griping about how the ruling will affect restaurants and bowling alleys, there is mounting concern over the impact it could have on Lawrence's vaunted music scene.
Bill Seeks to Ban Smoking in Your Car
NBC4TV, CA
May 6, 2004
California could be the first state in the country to fine motorists who smoke while driving with young children in the car if a bill passed by an Assembly committee Wednesday becomes law. The bill, passed by the Assembly Appropriations Committee and now on its way to the full Assembly, would lead to fines up to $96. The author, Assemblyman Marco Firebaugh, D-South Gate, and other supporters said the bill would give children "much-needed protections" against health problems caused by breathing tobacco smoke.
Jobs Will Go Up in Smoke With Statewide Smoking Ban
Columbia Basin Herald, WA
May 6, 2004
Anti-smoking activists have launched an initiative campaign to enact a statewide smoking ban in all public places and private businesses with employees. Proponents say a statewide ban would improve health and level the economic playing field for everyone. That's not quite true. The initiative would not apply to tribal businesses, and we need look no further than Pierce County, Washington, to see what the consequences will be.
Complaints of Businesses Ignoring the Smoking Ban Roll In
WKYT, KY
May 6, 2004
Fines are being handed out to some Lexington businesses for breaking the city's smoking ban. 37 businesses have been turned in by anonymous callers. Six of those have been reported more than once. After a third report, and an investigation, a business or person could be cited. "Because we had numerous complaints, they were cited. It was obvious there was smoking going on there."
Council to Possibly Ban Beach Smoking
Malibe Times, CA
May 5, 2004
At its Monday meeting, the City Council will vote on an ordinance to ban smoking at its public beaches. The Los Angeles and Santa Monica City Councils have already approved similar measures. Those cities operate their public beaches while Malibu does not. The state and the county run the beaches in Malibu. City Attorney Christi Hogin said she was confident the city could enforce the law even though it did not run the beaches.
Smoking Ban Idea Spreads Elsewhere
The Capitol Times, WI
May 3, 2004
At least a half-dozen cities are considering new limits on restaurant patrons lighting up while enjoying a beer or a Friday night fish fry, spurred by Madison's total ban on smoking scheduled to take effect in 2005. Still, just 16 other local governments out of hundreds statewide have enacted some sort of ban on smoking in restaurants, and none is seriously considering restrictions that ban smoking in taverns as Madison's does. Under the new ordinance, Madison residents can only smoke in retail tobacco stores, private clubs such as the Elks Club and some hotel rooms.
Current Smoker News | Archive 1
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