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• Rhode Island Becomes Seventh State To Pass Comprehensive Smoke- Free Workplace Law; Statement from Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids 

"In a historic victory for the health of Rhode Island citizens, the state Legislature has approved a comprehensive smoke-free indoor workplace law that includes restaurants and bars. Rhode Island becomes the seventh state to take decisive action to protect the public's right to breathe clean air, free from the proven dangers of secondhand smoke. The law will cover workplaces, including restaurants and most bars, beginning March 1, 2005, and extend to all bars on October 1, 2006. Secondhand smoke isn't just annoying; it's scientifically proven to cause lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema and other illnesses and is responsible nationally for thousands of deaths each year. All of us should be able to earn a living, dine in a restaurant or enjoy a night out without putting our health at risk because of secondhand smoke.

"We applaud Rhode Island's leaders for their foresight in addressing this critical public health issue and congratulate the Campaign for a Healthy Rhode for their extraordinary and tireless efforts in advocating for the health of the state's citizens.

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