No Smoking

Ban smoking? Yes, and it has been banned in public places, at least where I live. Here's some text from SmokeFreeWashington.com's website:

"On November 8, 2005, Washingtonians made a healthy choice by voting to pass Initiative 901. The initiative prohibits smoking in all restaurants and bars by amending the state’s 1985 Clean Indoor Air Act. Today, the definition of 'public place' includes bars, restaurants, bowling centers, skating rinks, and non-tribal casinos. The definition also includes private residences used to provide childcare, foster care, adult care, or similar social services, and at least 75 percent of the sleeping quarters within a hotel.

The Smoking in Public Places law also prohibits smoking within 25 feet of entrances, exits, windows that open, and ventilation intakes that serve enclosed areas where smoking is prohibited.

Washington was the tenth state in the country to implement a comprehensive statewide law prohibiting smoking in all restaurants and bars, and the fifth state to have a law that requires 100 percent of indoor workplaces to be smoke-free.

The initiative had widespread support, with all 39 counties in Washington voting in favor of the law."

'Nuff said. I support this prohibition for the safety and health of non-smokers. No doubt, smoking is a tough addiction -- I was a smoker as a college student and young man. But I kicked it when kids came to our house and have not gone back. It was a clear step in the right direction and I had to do what was best for those I love.