Also, see Tobacco.org.
Another restaurant closes on UT Strip [after choosing smoking over customers]
WATE-6, Knoxville, Tennessee, 24 November 2007
State must build on smoke-free law
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 16 November
2007
Local health inspectors get few complaints on
new smoking ban
WATE-6, Knoxville, Tennessee, 10 October 2007
First week of ban elicits violations
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 10 October
2007
Complaints and questions surround smoking ban
WBIR-10, Knoxville, Tennessee, 9 October 2007
Switch to smoking ban goes smoothly at West
Knoxville restaurant
WATE-6, Knoxville, Tennessee, 7 October 2007
Smoking ban a breath of fresh air for many
Jackson Sun, Jackson, Tennessee, 7 October 2007
Restaurants, customers changing habits for
Smoke-Free Act
Bristol Herald Courier, Bristol, Tennessee, 5
October 2007
Smoking ban deserves support
The News Sentinel,
Knoxville, Tennessee, 4 October 2007
CORRECTIONS: No Smoking in Restaurants (NoSIR) was founded by Douglas Benton, not David Benton. It was founded in 2005, not "12 years ago".
Senator talks controversy with UT club
The Daily Beacon, University of Tennessee,
Knoxville, Tennessee, 4 October 2007
The senator said the statewide ban on smoking in restaurants was the result of lobbying by those in the food service industry.
“The restaurant association came to us and wanted a total ban,” he said. The senator said lobbying was due to class action lawsuits in California. A number of retired food service workers and non-smokers with lung cancer are suing the restaurants who kept them working in smoke.
“(The association) can see that coming, and they want to stop it from happening here,” Burchett said. “It really didn’t have much to do with the public health. ... It was more about dollars and cents. That’s the bottom line in any political process, unfortunately, but it’s the truth.”
Statewide smoking ban goes into effect today
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 1 October
2007
With a new statewide ban on smoking taking effect today, Douglas Benton planned to celebrate by dining in restaurants for breakfast, lunch and supper with family and friends.
“This is a great, great day for Tennessee,” said the Alcoa anti-smoking activist. “It is a monumental thing for the betterment of people’s lives. They will live better and longer without second-hand smoke.”
“I thought it would take at least 10 years for this to happen,” said Benton, who in 2005 founded a group called No Smoking In Restaurants.
2nd-Hand Smoke Hazards And Other Response To Roy
Exum
The Chattanoogan, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 1 October
2007
TN smoke ban goes into effect today
Bristol Herald Courier, Bristol, Tennessee, 1
October 2007
Law bans indoor smoking
The Daily Beacon,
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, 1 October 2007
Ban on public smoking begins in Tenn.
WATE-6, Knoxville, Tennessee, 1 October 2007
Tennessee ban on public smoking begins today
The Oak Ridger, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 1 October 2007
A little relief for nonsmokers
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 1 October
2007
Feelings mixed after indoor smoking is nixed
Jackson Sun, Jackson, Tennessee, 1 October 2007
Smoking Ban Goes Into Effect Oct. 1
WDEF-12, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 1 October 2007
Smoking Ban Effects Business Monday
WTVF-5, Nashville, Tennessee, 1 October 2007
Tennessee Bans Restaurant Smoking
WSB-2, Atlanta, Georgia, 1 October 2007
Tennessee puts wellness first with smoking ban
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 30 September
2007
State Smoking Ban Takes Effect
The Chattanoogan, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 30
September 2007
Restaurants kick butts
Jackson Sun, Jackson, Tennessee, 30 September 2007
Tenn. ban on public smoking begins Monday, with
some exemptions
WTVF-5, Nashville, Tennessee, 30 September 2007
Many restaurants going smoke-free at end of the
day
The Daily News Journal, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 30
September 2007
“Seriously, Sam..?”
Cleveland Daily Banner, Cleveland, Tennessee, 29
September 2007
Around Cleveland
Cleveland Daily Banner, Cleveland, Tennessee, 29
September 2007
Tennessee's smoking ban to take effect Monday
WBIR-10, Knoxville, Tennessee, 29 September 2007
Knoxville restaurant tries to beat statewide
smoking ban
WATE-6, Knoxville, Tennessee, 29 September 2007
New Smoking Law Goes Into Effect Monday
WVLT-8, Knoxville, Tennessee, 29 September 2007
Parks board considers ban on smoking near
playgrounds
The Tennessean,
Nashville, Tennessee, 29 September 2007
Tenn. business owners wonder about impact of new
smoking ban
Times News, Kingsport, Tennessee, 29 September 2007
Smoking ban takes effect Monday
Jackson Sun, Jackson, Tennessee, 29 September 2007
Business owners prepare for Tennessee Smoking
Ban
WMC-5, Memphis, Tennessee, 28
September 2007
Ad Campaign About New Smokers Law
WTVC-9, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 28 September 2007
Restaurants and bars turn smoke-free
Sidelines Online, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 27
September 2007
Smoking Ban Goes Into Effect Monday
WTVF-5, Nashville, Tennessee, 26 September 2007
Oct. 1: Smoke-free public areas to widen
Cleveland Daily Banner, Cleveland, Tennessee, 26
September 2007
State hopes smoking ban is a motivator
Times-Gazette, Shelbyville, Tennessee, 26 September
2007
Non-Smokers Protection Act goes into effect Oct.
1
Crossville Chronicle, Crossville, Tennessee, 25
September 2007
Smoke Free Law One Week Away
WKRN-2, Nashville, Tennessee, 25 September 2007
Tennessee Smoking Ban Effective October 1
ABC-24, Memphis, Tennessee, 24 September 2007
Gearing up for cigarette ban
Memphis Business Journal, Memphis, Tennessee, 21
September 2007
Cig You Later - State smoking ban in enclosed
public places to take effect Oct. 1
Johnson City Press, Johnson City, Tennessee, 19
September 2007
Reactions to Oct. 1 smoking bans are mixed
The Camden Chronicle,
Camden, Tennessee, 19 September 2007
Advocates say Tennessee’s smoking ban
should boost state's health rankings
Times News, Kingsport, Tennessee, 18 September 2007
What You Need to Know About Tennessee's New
Non-Smoking Law
WVLT-8, Knoxville, Tennessee, 18 September 2007
Knoxville restaurants plan for smoking ban
WATE-6, Knoxville, Tennessee,
14 September 2007
Restaurants, smokers preparing for Non-Smoking
Act
Bristol Herald Courier, Bristol, Tennessee, 13
September 2007
Butting Out
Memphis Flyer, Memphis, Tennessee, 13 September 2007
Health inspectors train to enforce workplace
smoking ban
WATE-6, Knoxville, Tennessee,
11 September 2007
Tennessee prepares to go smoke-free
WBIR-10, Knoxville, Tennessee, 11 September 2007
Friendly reminder; Smoke ’em if you got
’em, but not inside Neyland
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 6 September
2007
State means business on smoke ban
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 4 September
2007
Businesses enforcers of smoking ban
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 19 August
2007
Smoke and Mirror: An Update on the Smoking Ban
Nashville Scene, Nashville, Tennessee, 8 August 2007
Tennessee Smoking Ban
ABC-24, Memphis, Tennessee, 7 August 2007
Are Customers, Restaurants Ready To Go
Smoke-Free
WTVF-5, Nashville, Tennessee, 1 August 2007
Restaurants prep for Oct. 1 smoking ban
The Daily News Journal, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 31
July 2007
Dresden may ban smoking on city-owned property
WTVF-5, Nashville, Tennessee, 27 July 2007
Tri-Cities restaurants prep for October 1st
smoking ban
Bristol Herald Courier, Bristol, Tennessee, 27 July
2007
Dresden may ban smoking on city-owned property
WMC-5, Memphis, Tennessee, 27 July 2007
Smoking snuffed on Rocky Top
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 25 July
2007
Smoking banned at Neyland
The Jackson Sun, Jackson, Tennessee, 25 July 2007
Let's clear the air at Arcade
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 22 July 2007
73 Days to Go
Nashville Scene, Nashville, Tennessee, 19 July 2007
Trash ashtray at Boscos [click link and scroll down]
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 18 July
2007
Enforcement of smoking laws still being under
review
Citizen Tribune, Morristown, Tennessee, 17 July 2007
Give FDA power over tobacco
Bristol Herald Courier, Bristol, Tennessee, 13 July
2007
Assembly passes bill on smoking
The Daily Beacon, University of Tennessee,
Knoxville, Tennessee, 6 July 2007
Time Running Out for Smokers
WVLT-8, Knoxville, Tennessee, 30 June 2007
Smokers Toxic to Bar, Restaurant Workers
WATE-6, Knoxville, Tennessee, 28 June 2007
New workplace ban on smoking to affect
employees, customers
The Mountain Press, Sevierville, Tennessee, 25 June
2007
Smoking ban forces decisions
The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville, Tennessee, 24 June
2007
Smoking ban will affect area businesses
The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville, Tennessee, 23 June
2007
October Surprise: Tennessee begins the long
goodbye to smoking in public places
Nashville Scene, Nashville, Tennessee, 21 June 2007
Rutherford reps heed people's wishes at Capitol
The Daily News Journal, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 21
June 2007
Facts and figures about smoking in Tennessee
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 14 June
2007
Smoking Ban: Your Rights
WVLT-8, Knoxville, Tennessee, 13 June 2007
Public smoking ban a workable compromise
The Jackson Sun, Jackson, Tennessee, 4 June 2007
Germantown businesses try to gauge effects of
smoking ban
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 3 June
2007
Area residents speak minds about possible
smoking ban
The Jackson Sun, Jackson, Tennessee, 3 June 2007
Better late than never
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 2 June
2007
Knoxville restaurants prepare for smoking ban to
become law
WATE-6, Knoxville, Tennessee, 1 June 2007
Smoking ban passes but exempts bars
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 1 June 2007
Smoking ban bill expected to be signed by
governor
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 1 June 2007
Smoking, school bills await pen
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 1 June
2007
Bill to Ban Smoking in Public Places Heads to
Governor's Desk
WTVC-9, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 1 June 2007
Legislature Passes Smoke-Free Workplace Bill
The Chattanoogan, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 31 May
2007
Bill to ban most indoor smoking in Tennessee
headed to Bredesen
WBIR-10, Knoxville, Tennessee, 31 May 2007
Legislature gives final approval to smoking ban
The City
Paper, Nashville, Tennessee, 31 May 2007
Bill to ban smoking in
most workplaces heads to governor
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 31 May 2007
Smoking ban gains speed
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 31 May 2007
Panel approves ban on smoking
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 31 May
2007
Senate, House prepare for votes on year's top
issues
WKRN-2, Nashville, Tennessee, 31 May 2007
Workplace smoking ban clears major hurdle
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 30 May
2007
House committee restricts indoor smoking
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 30 May 2007
Workplace smoking ban measure passes
tobacco-friendly House panel
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 30 May 2007
Smoking ban vote breaks with tobacco tradition
in House committee
WKRN-2, Nashville, Tennessee, 30 May 2007
Agriculture Committee approves less-stringent
smoking ban
The City Paper, Nashville, Tennessee, 30 May 2007
House Panel Passes Workplace Smoking Ban
WTVF-5, Nashville, Tennessee, 30 May 2007
A fair hearing for the ban
The Commercial Appeal,
Memphis, Tennessee, 29 May 2007
As guardians of the farming industry's vitality and traditions, the Agriculture Committee has an important role to play in state government.
But the question of whether to allow smoking in the workplace is a health issue that the full chamber should have an opportunity to debate, consider and decide.
Sentiment is stronger than ever before in Tennessee -- a state with one of the nation's highest rates of cigarette consumption and the diseases that go along with it -- to take a positive stand on this question.
To leave it bottled up in the Agriculture Committee would be a disservice to the citizens whom the committee's members are sworn to serve.
State smoking ban draws mixed reactions
Herald-Citizen, Cookeville, Tennessee, 28 May 2007
Show courage; pass smoke ban
Bristol Herald Courier, Bristol, Tennessee, 27 May
2007
Senate passes stringent workplace smoking ban
The City Paper, Nashville, Tennessee, 25 May 2007
Local residents voice opinions on anti-smoking
bill
WBIR-10, Knoxville, Tennessee, 25 May 2007
Proposed Smoking Ban Passes in TN
WRCB-3, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 24 May 2007
Senate passes bill to ban smoking restaurants,
most workplaces
WKRN-2, Nashville, Tennessee, 24 May 2007
Senate passes bill to ban smoking restaurants,
most workplaces
WATE-6, Knoxville, Tennessee, 24 May 2007
State Senate passes ban on smoking in
restaurants, most workplaces
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 24 May 2007
Senate passes smoking ban
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 24 May 2007
Bill Banning Smoking Passes Senate By
Wide-Margin
WKRN-2, Nashville, Tennessee, 24 May 2007
Senate passes bill to ban smoking restaurants,
most workplaces
WMC-5, Memphis, Tennessee, 24 May 2007
Senate passes ban on smoking in restaurants,
most workplaces
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 23 May 2007
Smoking ban has momentum
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 23 May
2007
Delay In Senate Committee Vote On Cigarette Tax
Hike
WTVF-5, Nashville, Tennessee,
22 May 2007
Smoking ban catches fire
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 22 May 2007
Senate thinks about banning smoking at work,
then changes mind
The City Paper, Nashville, Tennessee, 22 May 2007
House Agriculture Committee holds off on smoking
ban vote
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 22 May 2007
Smoking ban bill up in air
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 22 May
2007
TN Lawmakers Debate Smoking Ban
WKRN-2, Nashville, Tennessee, 21 May 2007
Lobbyists’ bosses may have spent close to
$19 million to influence state public policy, review shows
The City Paper, Nashville, Tennessee, 21 May 2007
While Gov. Phil Bredesen has fought against tobacco — through trying to raise the cigarette tax and impose a workplace-smoking ban, tobacco companies have fought back.
Philip Morris USA has spent between $50,000 and $100,000 employing its three lobbyists. Reynolds American Inc. and Lorillard Tobacco Co. each disbursed $25,000 to $50,000 for its lobbyists.
Combined, the three companies have spent $100,000 to $200,000 just through March 31.
A meaningless smoke ban
Bristol Herald Courier, Bristol, Tennessee, 20 May
2007
Time To Support Statewide Smoking Ban
The Chattanoogan, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 17 May
2007
Workplace smoking ban gutted, but supporters
remain optimistic
WKRN-2, Nashville, Tennessee, 16 May 2007
Bill banning smoking at restaurants
‘gutted’
The City Paper,
Nashville, Tennessee, 16 May 2007
State's smoking bills face hurdles
The News Sentinel,
Knoxville, Tennessee, 16 May 2007
Workplace smoking ban gutted, but supporters
remain optimistic
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 16 May 2007
Bill Banning Smoking 'Watered Down', Delayed
WKRN-2, Nashville, Tennessee,
15 May 2007
Workplace smoking ban wheezing in Senate
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 15 May 2007
New Bill May 'Put Out' Public Smoking
WTVF-5, Nashville, Tennessee,
14 May 2007
Legislature steals power, leaves us asking in
vain
The Murfreesboro Post,
Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 13 May 2007
The legislature a few years decided smoking limitations could only be passed in Nashville. This, of course, is the governmental body that only banned smoking in our taxpayer-owned legislative building in its last term.
Tobacco companies were correctly concerned some communities might ban smoking in various venues, restaurants, work places and such for the outrageous reason that most of the people in a community supported such action.
Tobacco interests can’t arm-twist, cajole or maybe even bribe, as in the Tennessee Waltz string, every community’s leaders but it was able to get enough legislators to agree to steal the people’s power.
Even now tobacco controls the legislature enough that a proposed increase in Tennessee’s cigarette tax, among the five lowest in the nation, probably won’t be enacted, even though the tax proceeds would go to improve our state’s education funding, also a bottom five ranking, and clear indicators a huge majority of the state citizens support such a move.
Somehow, it’s hard for ordinary citizens to have much of a hearing in Nashville’s legislative halls. Sure, you can call your representative and/or senator and likely get a good hearing and even a well-intended and acted-upon promise of support.
The result is a few voices crying out and not being heeded....
Smoke-free rally makes stop in Gatlinburg
The Mountain Press, Sevierville, Tennessee, 13 May
2007
Smoking to be factor in "R" movie
ratings
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 12 May 2007
Charlie Daniel Cartoon
The News Sentinel,
Knoxville, Tennessee, 2 May 2007
Bill Advances That Allows Local Governments To
Ban Smoking In Restaurants
The Chattanoogan, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 1 May 2007
NOTE: In years past, NoSIR supporters would have been very happy to see the passage of any bill which would allow local communities to restrict smoking in restaurants. After all, local regulation seems better than the status quo, in which it is actually against state law for your city or county to protect you from deadly tobacco smoke.
However, given the reluctance of the House Agriculture Committee to represent the wishes of Tennesseans, passage of such a bill would likely be viewed as justification to avoid passing a statewide smoking ban. A uniform statewide ban would create a level playing field for restaurant owners and makes more sense than a variety of local bans, which would be confusing for customers and unfair for business owners. It is for this reason that the Tennessee Restaurant Association (TRA) has decided to support a statewide ban which protects restaurant workers and customers while keeping the playing field fair and level for the owners. The TRA does not support a complex patchwork of local regulations.
Businesses say smoking ban would eliminate
freedom of choice
The Oak Ridger, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 1 May 2007
Humphrey: The, um, dialogue has begun in
Legislatorland
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 29 April
2007
In Legislatorland, you see, "action" typically means "talk" and "now" means maybe sometime in the next few weeks. "Dialogue" means "a whole lot of talk."
Yes, under the Democratic leadership of the House - or the Republican leadership of the Senate, for that matter - there has been legislative "action," albeit no decision, on every single issue of consequence for months.
This includes a wide range of things, from such head-scratching notions as granting AT&T the opportunity to intrude upon cable TV turf, an action proposal that has provided gainful employment to dozens of lobbyists, to such straightforward propositions as whether to ban smoking in workplaces, including restaurants and bars.
With the month of May at hand, it is indeed time for the dialogue to begin.
Banning cigarettes at public schools sends clear
signal
The Daily News Journal, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 25
April 2007
Health Council endorses smoke-free workplaces
Cleveland Daily Banner, Cleveland, Tennessee, 25
April 2007
Groups rally around anti-smoking legislation
Chattanooga Times Free Press, Chattanooga,
Tennessee, 23 April 2007
Proponents Of Smoke-Free Workplace Bill Urge
Public To Contact Legislators
The Chattanoogan, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 23 April
2007
Smoke Free Coalition Rallies in Chattanooga
WDEF-12, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 23 April 2007
Hollywood's Smoke Alarm
Time, 23 April 2007
Take the doctor's word for it: Ban smoking in
the Tennessee workplace
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 21 April 2007
Bill to ban smoking on school grounds fails in
Senate committee
The Oak Ridger, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 19 April 2007
School-grounds smoking ban unlikely
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 19 April 2007
Bill to ban smoking on school grounds fails in
Senate committee
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 19 April
2007
Rally calls for passage of smoke-free workplaces
in Tennessee
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 17 April 2007
Ban on smoking sought
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 17 April
2007
Rally at Old Country Store urges passage of
smoke-free legislation
The Jackson Sun, Jackson, Tennessee, 17 April 2007
Not even in the boys' room
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 16 April
2007
Lawmakers to talk with constituents before
smoking
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 13 April
2007
Chattanooga’s Chop House Implements
Smoke-Free Policy
The Chattanoogan, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 11 April
2007
Lawmakers to talk with constituents before
smoking bill vote
WMC-5, Memphis, Tennessee, 11 April 2007
Lawmakers to talk with constituents before
smoking bill vote
WKRN-2, Nashville, Tennessee, 11 April 2007
State of Tobacco: A 6 Listens Town Hall Meeting
WATE-6, Knoxville, Tennessee, 11 April 2007
Workplace smoking ban
Bristol Herald Courier, Bristol, Tennessee, 9 April
2007
It’s time to extinguish workplace smoking
The Daily Herald, Columbia, Tennessee, 9 April 2007
Restaurant owners say smoking bans helped
business and improved health
The City Paper, Nashville, Tennessee, 4 April 2007
Workplace smoking ban would protect lives,
advocates testify
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 4 April 2007
Rallying around the ban
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 4 April
2007
Smoking ban is good for health and business,
lawmakers told
WMC-5, Memphis, Tennessee, 4 April 2007
Smoking Ban Is Good For Health & Business
ABC-24, Memphis, Tennessee, 4 April 2007
Anti-smokers appeal for ban
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 3 April
2007
Renowned restaurant bans smoking
The Daily Beacon, University of Tennessee,
Knoxville, Tennessee, 3 April 2007
Tenn. First Lady leads smoking ban on statewide
tour
WATE-6, Knoxville, Tennessee, 2 April 2007
No Smoking, Except for Ribs
Memphis Flyer, Memphis, Tennessee, 2 April 2007
Tenn. First Lady leading smoking ban statewide
tour
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 1 April 2007
[Virginia] Assembly should pass smoking ban
Bristol Herald Courier, Bristol, Tennessee, 1 April
2007
Tenn. First Lady leading smoking ban statewide
tour
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 31 March
2007
Statewide Smoke-Free Campaign Kicks Off [click link and scroll down]
The Daily News, Memphis, Tennessee, 30 March 2007
State smoke-free campaign launches Web site,
tour [click link and scroll
down]
The City Paper, Nashville, Tennessee, 29 March 2007
Cooper, Matheny release results of annual
constituency questionnaire
The Tullahoma News and Guardian, Tullahoma,
Tennessee, 29 March 2007
Group Launches Campaign To Make All Workplaces
Smoke-Free
The Chattanoogan, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 28 March
2007
Lt. Gov. Ramsey re-evaluates his stance on
public smoking
Bristol Herald Courier,
Bristol, Tennessee, 25 March 2007
Cracker Barrel sues insurers
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 24 March 2007
Cracker Barrel in 2004 agreed to pay $8.7 million to settle federal lawsuits in Georgia that alleged black customers were subjected to racial slurs, denied service or segregated in smoking sections.
The company also settled a Justice Department lawsuit the same year with similar claims by agreeing to a number of operational changes but without admitting wrongdoing or paying fines or penalties.
Cracker Barrel, which is a subsidiary of CBRL Group Inc., is based in Lebanon, a Nashville suburb. It operates about 550 Cracker Barrel Old Country Store restaurants and gift shops in 41 states.
Sheriff Jones' ban on tobacco protects
taxpayers, workers
The Daily News Journal, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 22
March 2007
Sheriff clamps down on tobacco use
The Daily News Journal, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 22
March 2007
Europe is trying to kick the habit
Budget Travel, 20 March 2007
Regas Restaurant extinguishes smoking policy
WATE-6, Knoxville, Tennessee, 19 March 2007
Aberdeen [Mississippi] smoking ban goes into
effect April 15
WMC-5, Memphis, Tennessee, 15 March 2007
Proposed Smoking Bills Debated
WTVC-9, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 13 March 2007
Where Tobacco Ruled, Smoking Ban Gains Ground
The New York Times, New York, New York, 12 March
2007
Gov's plans would snuff cigarettes
The Daily News Journal, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 12
March 2007
Most in Hernando are cool with new smoking ban
The Commercial Appeal,
Memphis, Tennessee, 10 March 2007
No more lighting up at Regas [and Chop House]
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 9 March
2007
Regas prepares to extinguish smoking policy
WATE-6, Knoxville, Tennessee, 9 March 2007
Campus smoking irritating to non-smokers
Tennessee Journalist, University of Tennessee,
Knoxville, Tennessee, 7 March 2007
Chamber members back workplace smoking ban
Chattanooga Times Free
Press, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 5 March 2007
Chamber Poll: "Ban Workplace Smoking"
WDEF-12, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 5 March 2007
More colleges curb smoking
The Tennessean,
Nashville, Tennessee, 4 March 2007
More colleges banning smoking
USA Today, 1 March
2007
Bredesen's anti-smoking plan deserves support
The Jackson Sun, Jackson, Tennessee, 6 March 2007
Governor Bredesen's Historic Proposal Will
Reduce Smoking and Save Lives in Tennessee
PR Newswire, Washington, DC, 5 March 2007
Smoking ban will begin on Friday [in Hernando,
Mississippi]
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 5 March
2007
Leonhirth: Smoking ban is a hot topic
The Daily News Journal, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 4
March 2007
Sperry's right to go smoke free
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 28 February
2007
What would be problem with cigarette tax hike? [click link and scroll down]
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 28 February
2007
Sperry's to ban smoking
The City Paper, Nashville, Tennessee, 28 February
2007
Second-hand smoke hits kids worst
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 27
February 2007
Some say tobacco laws would stink
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 27 February
2007
Smoking ban working smoothly in Oxford
[Mississippi]
WMC-5, Memphis, Tennessee, 27 February 2007
People need to take pride in their hometown
The Mountain Press, Sevierville, Tennessee, 23
February 2007
Bredesen Proposes Smoking Ban
The Monroe County Advocate, Madisonville, Tennessee,
19 February 2007
Lawmakers tout bills in works
The Jackson Sun, Jackson, Tennessee, 20 February
2007
Taxing Cigarettes
ABC-24, Memphis, Tennessee, 19 February 2007
Politics of tobacco in Tennessee has changed
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 18 February
2007
Smoking ban: Do it for Daddy, Bogie, our kids
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 18
February 2007
An 8-year-old makes a poignant plea for a
smoking ban
Bristol Herald Courier, Bristol, Tennessee, 18
February 2007
Passage of smoking ban likely
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 16 February
2007
House, Senate leaders expect passage of smoking
ban
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 16 February
2007
Shutting Out Tennessee Smokers?
WVLT-8, Knoxville, Tennessee, 16 February 2007
Support, criticism of Bredesen's anti-smoking
measures mount
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 16 February
2007
There's a new smoke-free bar downtown
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 16 February
2007
Getting Ready for Tennessee's Proposed Smoking
Ban
WRCB-3, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 16 February 2007
State leaders expect smoking ban to pass
WATE-6, Knoxville, Tennessee, 15 February 2007
House, Senate leaders expect passage of smoking
ban
The Oak Ridger, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 15 February
2007
Jimmy Naifeh Won't Block Smoking Ban
FOX-13, Memphis, Tennessee, 15 February 2007
House, Senate Leaders Expect Passage Of Smoking
Ban
ABC-24, Memphis, Tennessee, 15 February 2007
House, Senate leaders expect passage of smoking
ban
WMC-5, Memphis, Tennessee, 15 February 2007
House, Senate leaders expect passage of smoking
ban
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 14 February
2007
Forget restrictions, just ban smoking across the
nation
The Daily News, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 14 February
2007
Smoking ban proposal: health over [Big Tobacco]
profit
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 14 February
2007
Time for Tennessee to pass ban
Bristol Herald Courier, Bristol, Tennessee, 14
February 2007
News from Tennessee's Neighbors in THE Tobacco State
Study: Lexington's smoking ban good for business
WAVE-3, Louisville, Kentucky, 13 February 2007News from Tennessee's Neighbors in THE Tobacco State
Study: Lexington businesses not hurt by smoking ban
The Herald-Leader, Lexington, Kentucky, 13 February 2007
Physicians support Bredesen's proposed smoking
ban
Memphis Business Journal, Memphis, Tennessee, 12
February 2007
Sensible people support a no smoking ban [click link and scroll down to middle of page]
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 12 February
2007
End of an Era at the Innside Restaurant
The Chattanoogan, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 12
February 2007
Local lawmakers still considering positions on
smoking legislation
Johnson City Press, Johnson City, Tennessee, 11
February 2007
Governor Bredesen Calls For Strict Anti-Smoking
Legislation
WKRN-2, Nashville, Tennessee, 11 February 2007
Let's get real and get behind governor's
anti-smoking efforts
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 11 February
2007
Governor Calling For Smoke Free Workplace
WKRN-2, Nashville, Tennessee, 10 February 2007
Bredesen: Ban smoking at work
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 9 February
2007
In speech, Bredesen supports smoking ban, East
Tennessee forest preservation
WBIR-10, Knoxville, Tennessee, 9 February 2007
Quest for breathable air
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 9
February 2007
Governor Would Back A Statewide Smoking Ban
ABC-24, Memphis, Tennessee, 9 February 2007
Bredesen gets behind ban
The News Sentinel,
Knoxville, Tennessee, 9 February 2007
Bredesen throws support behind workplace smoking
ban
The Newport Plain Talk, Newport, Tennessee, 9
February 2007
Smoking ban in workplace gains support
The Commercial Appeal,
Memphis, Tennessee, 9 February 2007
Bredesen wants smoke snuffed out at work
The City Paper,
Nashville, Tennessee, 9 February 2007
Possible Smoking Ban Effects
WDEF-12, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 9 February 2007
Bredesen Supports Workplace Smoking Ban
WTVF-5, Nashville, Tennessee, 9 February 2007
Governor Pushes To Make Tennessee Smoke-Free
WKRN-2, Nashville, Tennessee, 9 February 2007
Governor proposes smoking ban for workplaces,
including restaurants, bars
The Tennessean,
Nashville, Tennessee, 8 February 2007
Bredesen supports workplace smoking ban
The News Sentinel,
Knoxville, Tennessee, 8 February 2007
State restaurant association supports smoking
ban
The Tennessean,
Nashville, Tennessee, 8 February 2007
Bredesen throws support behind workplace smoking
ban
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 8 February
2007
More States Consider Smoking Restrictions
WREG-3, Memphis, Tennessee, 8
February 2007
News from Tennessee's Neighbors to the South
Hernando approves smoking ban
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 7 February 2007
Tennessee scores an "F" on smoking and
health issues
WBIR-10, Knoxville, Tennessee, 6 February 2007
Leaving a health legacy for your grandchildren
The Murfreesboro Post, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 6
February 2007
A sampling of non-smoking restaurants
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 6 February
2007
News from Tennessee's Neighbors in THE Tobacco State
Virginia smoking ban clears Senate, faces uphill fight in House
Bristol Herald Courier, Bristol, Tennessee, 6 February 2007
Governor Prepares To Address TN Lawmakers,
Citizens
WKRN-2, Nashville, Tennessee, 5 February 2007
State of the State countdown--Topic: Smoking
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 5 February
2007
Tennessee gets an F for tobacco control
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 5 February
2007
Converts support smoking-ban bill
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 3 February
2007
Allowing local smoking ban may require lawmakers
to reverse votes
The Oak Ridger, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 2 February
2007
Allowing local smoking ban may require lawmakers
to reverse votes
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 1 February
2007
Some lawmakers conflicted on banning smoking at
work
The City Paper,
Nashville, Tennessee, 30 January 2007
No one deserves secondhand smoke [click link and scroll down]
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 30 January
2007
Bredesen plans to take on
tobacco during legislative session, top advisor says
The City Paper,
Nashville, Tennessee, 29 January 2007
Scores of readers say smoking in restaurants has
to go
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 28 January
2007
Smoking ban needs to pass
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 29 January
2007
Smoking editorial didn't make any logical sense
The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville, Tennessee, 29
January 2007
Memo to lawmakers: Find the courage to ban
public smoking
Bristol Herald Courier, Bristol, Tennessee, 28
January 2007
Legislators should overturn '94 smoking law
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 28 January
2007
Readers' letters urge lawmakers to support
restaurant smoking ban
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 28 January
2007
Restaurants ready if rules apply to all
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 28 January
2007
Restaurant workers are being exposed to smoke
The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville, Tennessee, 28
January 2007
Should Tennessee ban smoking in restaurants?
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 28 January
2007
Restaurant finds smoke-free success ahead of
possible state ban
WATE-6, Knoxville, Tennessee, 26 January 2007
Smoking ban has chance: Restaurants in Nashville
lower resistance to legislation
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 26 January
2007
Lawmakers to debate smoking ban for restaurants
The Newport Plain Talk, Newport, Tennessee, 23
January 2007
Plenty of eyes on lawmakers' smoking-ban debate
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 22 January
2007
Tennessee Lawmakers To Debate Smoking Ban
ABC-24, Memphis, Tennessee, 22 January 2007
Tennessee Gets "F" For Smoke-Free Air
WTVF-5, Nashville, Tennessee, 22 January 2007
Lawmakers to debate smoking ban for restaurants
The Oak Ridger, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 21 January
2007
State restrictions on smoking in restaurants
The Oak Ridger, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 21 January
2007
Activists Continue Smoke-Free Push
WKRN-2, Nashville, Tennessee, 21 January 2007
Lawmakers to debate smoking ban for restaurants
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 20 January
2007
More than half of all Americans now live in a
city or state with anti-smoking laws
The Oak Ridger, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 20 January
2007
Anti-Smoking Milestone Reached in U.S.
WKRN-2, Nashville, Tennessee, 20 January 2007
Smoking-cessation companies are doing quite well
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 20
January 2007
Kicking habit may be boon for some
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 20 January
2007
Grisanti's Goes Smoke-Free [click link and scroll down]
The Daily News, Memphis, Tennessee, 18 January 2007
Germantown restaurant takes smoking off the menu
WREG-3, Memphis, Tennessee, 17
January 2007
American Lung Association getting $2,300 from
ashtray auction
WCMT-5, Memphis, Tennessee, 16 January 2007
Smoking Laws Equal Collectivism In Tennessee -
And Replies
The Chattanoogan, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 15 January
2007
Non-smoking legislation just government doing
duty
The Daily Herald, Columbia, Tennessee, 13 January
2007
Naifeh should look to residents' welfare
The News Sentinel,
Knoxville, Tennessee, 11 January 2007
Black says school funding should be priority for
legislators
Robertson County Times, Springfield, Tennessee, 11
January 2007
Black intends to back legislation that would abolish smoking in restaurants.
“This bill would give local governments the choice to say there is no smoking in restaurants in their areas. It would allow them to make the decision,” she said, adding state law currently prohibits local governments from taking that action.
“From what I hear 75 percent of people want that,” Black said.
Tobacco issues on the table
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 9 January
2007
Tennessee Politics Crank Up With Opening Of
General Assembly
WKRN-2, Nashville, Tennessee, 9 January 2007
American Lung Association Report Card Grades
State Tobacco Control Activities
9 January 2007
Smoking ban, CoverTN, pre-K on legislative
agenda
The Mountain Press, Sevierville, Tennessee, 8
January 2007
105th General Assembly Convenes This week
The Monroe County Advocate, Madisonville, Tennessee,
8 January 2007
Gaylord hotel to ban smoking starting Feb. 12
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 8 January 2007
Residents sound off on smoking ban
The Daily Herald, Columbia, Tennessee, 7 January
2007
First order of business: leadership decisions
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 7 January
2007
Republican Mumpower and Democrat Naifeh also voice similar opinions on another old idea that is getting a fresh push this year: a ban on smoking in all workplaces, including restaurants and bars.
Both men say they prefer that smoking decisions be made by business owners, not state government. But leaders of a coalition of health-oriented groups say polling shows widespread public support for a workplace smoking ban and they believe a majority of legislators, in both parties, are supportive.
Tennessee's Love Affair With Tobacco Needs To
End
The Chattanoogan, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 6 January
2007
Local legislators discuss priorities as start of
session nears
WATE-6, Knoxville, Tennessee, 5 January 2007
Naifeh opposes smoking ban
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 4 January
2007
Smoke-free workplaces are good idea
The News Sentinel,
Knoxville, Tennessee, 4 January 2007
Anti-Smoking Advocates Move Ahead With Workplace
Bans
The Daily News, Memphis, Tennessee, 4 January 2007
Naifeh not fired up to regulate smoking at work
The City Paper, Nashville, Tennessee, 4 January 2007
Naifeh opposes workplace smoking ban
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 3 January
2007
Popular Downtown Restaurant Bans Smoking
WKRN-2, Nashville, Tennessee, 3
January 2007
Smyrna considers ordinance to segregate smokers
in restaurants
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 2 January 2007