SMOKING BAN GAINS IN PHILADELPHIA

Interestingly, it looks like the City of Philadelphia is moving in the direction of banning smoking indoors in the work place; this while New Jersey as usual sells out the health of its citizens. Last week a bill that had been introduced in the Philadelphia City Council by Michael Nutter was endorsed by the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the local chapters of the Building Owners and Managers Association and the American Heart Association. Okay, the last one ain’t no big surprise, but the past president of the Greater Philadelphia Restaurant and Purveyors Association also spoke in support of the smoking ban.

Mayor Street also supports the ban. Tavern owners over all tend to continue to oppose the ban. As Nutter said about the proposed ban; “this is a public health issue...workers....deserve to work in a smoke free environment.” And in Jersey the work place smoking ban bill languishes and labor leaders like Bob McDevit of Local 54 of casino workers, remains overall quiet. This when they should be leading the push to ban smoking in the work place in New Jersey.

The numbers are startling regarding air quality. In New Jersey’s bars and restaurants the air is nine times worse than in New York City, where there is a ban. A recent poll shows that 75% of New Jersey resident would support a law banning smoking inside all workplaces, including restaurants and bars.