With the approval of new rulings, North Carolina and Wisconsin have prohibited smokers from lighting up in restaurants and bars. Since New York City first set a precedent in 2003, the health care initiative has grown. Even more remarkably, the push to end smoking has moved to parts of Europe with Bulgaria’s Parliament also endorsing a measure to bar smoking.
North Carolina and Wisconsin join 22 other states with similar laws. Three more states will follow their leads before the end of the year. This means more than half of the United States bans smoking in some form. The push for a smoke-free Michigan is still hindered by politics and lobbyists for gambling dens, such as bingo halls, casinos, and horseracing tracks. Michigan can find the support they need to push this legislation if North Carolina can. NC produces more tobacco than any other state and yet their legislators voted for public health over big business.
Michiganders might have a chance to hold the vote in their own hands though. A bill sponsored by Detroit Senator Tupac Hunter would put the ban on the Michigan ballot in November. Two-thirds of Michigan residents claim to support smoke-free workplaces. The power of the people could trump the power of legislators who have stalled on this healthcare initiative.
Opponents argue that this ban will lead to unemployment and decreased sales. This is statistically untrue. Bars and restaurants in other states that have prohibited lighting up in public spaces have not seen changes in their profits.
This is a grave public health issue. Smoking is inextricably linked to cancer. And secondhand smoke is unavoidable in some spots. Let’s put health before big business, Michigan.
For more information, visit Make MI Air Smoke Free.
Comments