LANSING – In an effort to protect Michigan residents and workers from the deadly dangers of secondhand smoke, the Michigan House today passed a plan that prohibits smoking in virtually all indoor public places – including restaurants and bars. The plan now heads to the Senate.
"It is time for Michigan to step up and protect our residents from the well-documented dangers of secondhand smoke," said State Representative Brenda Clack (D-Flint), who is a member of the House Health Policy Committee. "All citizens, especially our children, have a right to live a healthy, productive life, and workers should not be forced to jeopardize their health in order to make a living. Banning smoking in the workplace, including restaurants and bars, will save lives – it's that simple."
Tobacco use is linked to all leading causes of death, such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic lower respiratory disease, and diabetes. Cigarette smoking results in 15,000 deaths each year in Michigan, and exposure to secondhand smoke results in approximately 2,500 deaths each year, resulting in over 17,000 deaths in Michigan each year caused by smoking.
The plan prohibits smoking in places of employment and most public places, including bars and restaurants. Those who violate the law would be fined up to $100 for the first violation and up to $500 for any subsequent violations. The plan exempts certain cigar bars and tobacco specialty retail stores, casino game room floors, bingo halls and horse racing tracks. Some form of smoke-free law has been passed in 32 states.
"Families who dine out with their children – even those who sit in a nonsmoking section – have no protection from secondhand smoke," said State Representative Ted Hammon (D-Burton). "There is no invisible barrier that keeps smoke from the other side of a restaurant in the smoking section. Smoke knows no boundaries. This plan will keep our families safe."
"The tragedy of secondhand smoke is that the deaths it causes are 100 percent preventable," said State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe), who noted that the residents of her district have overwhelmingly shown their support for a smoking ban. "As we work to create and protect good-paying jobs, we have to protect our workers. Making our state smoke-free is an important part of building a healthier, stronger Michigan."