Jump to full article: Great Falls (MT) Tribune, 2009-11-22
Intro: Writing this on the day of the Great American Smokeout, we want no confusion about our support for the Montana Clean Indoor Air Act.
Along with willpower, help lines, support groups and nicotine patches, the statewide ban on smoking in enclosed public places is a key component in the box of tools designed to make tobacco use less common. . . .
Some businesses have outdoor patios where they allow smoking, but they technically violate the law. The law would force patrons of other businesses -- such as those along Central Avenue -- to stand in the street to get 20 feet away from a door.
. . .
City commissioners Tuesday night indicated they might be willing to hold a public hearing to discuss possible changes in the ordinance and that's a good idea.
Tavern operators undoubtedly are already sharing with other businesses the negative effects of recession on discretionary spending by consumers. If softening or removing an arbitrary and toothless local law would help them out, why not?
Jump to full article » |