BOSTON—In
a move that public health advocates have hailed as one of the strongest pieces
of public health policy in Massachusetts history, Governor Romney signed into
law the Statewide Workplace Smoking Ban which would eliminate smoking in most
workplaces, including bars and restaurants.
"This is a great day
for public health in Massachusetts. A great day for the state's thousands of
service workers who are exposed to toxic tobacco smoke on a daily basis,"
said Deirdre Cummings, MASSPIRG's (Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group)
consumer program director. This victory is even more impressive given the reach
and power of the tobacco industry"
The bill will go into effect
July 5th, 2004.
Over 90 of the Commonwealth's
cities and towns are already smoke-free. Last year Boston became the largest
municipality to prohibit smoking in enclosed spaces. Recent communities in Massachusetts
to adopt similar policies include Cambridge, and all of the towns on Cape Cod.
California, Connecticut, Delaware, New York and even Ireland have also recently
passed similar laws.
MASSPIRG thanked the efforts
of local and state leaders including bill sponsors Representatives Rachel Kaprielian
(Watertown) and Peter Koutoujian (Waltham), and Senators Susan Fargo (Lincoln)
and Richard Moore (Uxbridge).
Photos from the bill
signing:
MASSPIRG consumer program
director, Deirdre Cummings, speaking at June 18th bill signing ceremony.
Governor Romney speaks to
MASSPIRG’s Deirdre Cummings’ children, Maura (7) and Katie (5) Campbell at bill
signing ceremony for smoke free work place bill.
Legislative leaders on the
campaign to pass the smoke free work place bill. From Left to right – Rep. Peter
Koutoujian, Rep. Rachel Kaprielian, Deirdre Cummings, MASSPIRG, Sen. Susan Fargo,
Sen. Richard Moore.
