News About No Smoking in Restaurants
Primarily Tennessee and Its Neighbors
April - June 2006

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Recent news stories show that the vast majority of Tennessee citizens want smokefree air in restaurants and other public places. This right is being won in communities across the nation, including Lexington and Louisville in the neighboring tobacco state of Kentucky. Legislators in Georgia and Florida have passed statewide bans on smoking in restaurants, showing more concern for their constituents than for the big tobacco industry which profits from their suffering (not to mention government-subsidized health care for the diseases caused by exposure to tobacco smoke).

News stories listed on this page focus primarily on Tennessee and surrounding states. In Tennessee, our legislators are letting us down by perpetuating a state law which actually prevents us from protecting our families from toxic tobacco smoke. Under TCA Section 39-17-1551, it is illegal for a city, town, or county in Tennessee to protect the rights of its citizens to breath smokefree air. That's as ludicrous as having a state law preventing the county health department from conducting hygiene inspections in restaurants.

If you are interested in following the news as it happens, please return to this page often because some news organizations remove stories from their web sites a week or two after they are published. Also note that articles about a location which are published in another state may be listed under one or both states.

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UNITED STATES and GENERAL INTEREST
Related articles may also be listed under the state in which they were published.
See Tobacco.org.

The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 June 2006

Surgeon General Concludes There is No Safe Level of Second-Hand Smoke
(interview with Surgeon General Carmona)
NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), 27 June 2006

Surgeon general: No safe level of secondhand smoke
CNN, 27 June 2006

Surgeon General Warns of Secondhand Smoke
ABC News, 27 June 2006

Secondhand smoke kills too: Surgeon-General
Reuters, 27 June 2006

Are smoking bans helping restaurants, bars?
MSNBC, 27 June 2006

Lessons from Boulder on tighter smoking ban
The Courier-Journal, Louisville, Kentucky, 29 May 2006

Anti-smoking activist dies of lung cancer
Reuters, 23 May 2006

A growing no-smoking trend
USA Today, 23 April 2006

Butts Out: NJ's Smoking Ban Takes Effect
Forbes, 15 April 2006

Arkansas Bans Smoking in Most Public Spots
Forbes, 7 April 2006

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ALABAMA
See Tobacco.org.

Councilmember: Let's snuff out smoking
Madison Record, Madison, Alabama 15 June 2006

City [Madison] considers smoking ban
WAFF-48, Huntsville, Alabama, 13 June 2006

Businesses could have choice on smoking issue
The University of Alabama Crimson White, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 8 June 2006

Citizens air opinions on smoking ban
Mobile Register, Mobile, Alabama, 17 May 2006

Foley to consider ban on smoking
Mobile Register, Mobile, Alabama, 15 May 2006

Anniston Looks At Increasing Smoking Restrictions
NBC-13, Birmingham, Alabama, 27 April 2006

Restaurants adapt to smoking ban
The Messenger, Troy, Alabama, 24 April 2006

Cities don't wait
The Birmingham News, Birmingham, Alabama, 21 April 2006

When the smoke clears...
News Courier, Athens, Alabama, 20 April 2006

Smoking bans start to light up map
Montgomery Advertiser, Montgomery, Alabama, 24 April 2006

Smoking ban not expected to harm area businesses
The Birmingham News, Birmingham, Alabama, 19 April 2006

Thank you, Applebee's, for going smoke-free
The Decatur Daily News, Decatur, Alabama, 19 March 2006

Restaurants adapt to smoking ban
The Messenger, Troy, Alabama, 19 April 2006

City of Troy Joining Other Cities to Ban Smoking
WTVY-4, Dothan , Alabama, 14 April 2006

Troy Smoking Ban
WSFA-12, Montgomery, Alabama, 12 April 2006

Business owners discuss smoking
The University of Alabama Crimson White, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 6 April 2006

Cancer Society feels burned by changes to ordinance
The Birmingham News, Birmingham, Alabama, 5 April 2006

Lawmakers choke on banning smoke
The Birmingham News, Birmingham, Alabama, 5 April 2006

Going up in smoke
The Messenger, Troy, Alabama, 4 April 2006

Smoke ’em out
Anniston Star, Anniston, Alabama, 3 April 2006

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ALASKA

See Tobacco.org.

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ARIZONA

See Tobacco.org.

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ARKANSAS
See Tobacco.org.

Arkansas Clean Indoor Air Act to Go Into Effect in July
KATV-7, Little Rock, Arkansas, 29 June 2006

Clean Indoor Air Act takes effect on July 21; speaker explains implications
The Daily Siftings Herald, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, 27 June 2006

Saline County's Stricter Smoking Ban Goes a Step Further
KATV-7, Little Rock, Arkansas, 20 June 2006

Smoking banned in most public places
The Baxter Bulletin, Mountain Home, Arkansas, 13 June 2006

Will Smoking Be Banned For Pregnant Women?
KTHV-11, Little Rock, Arkansas, 12 June 2006

Saline County to Consider Stricter Smoking Ban
KAIT-8, Jonesboro, Arkansas, 11 June 2006

Legislative panel reviews smoking ban regulations
Arkansas News Bureau, Little Rock, Arkansas, 7 June 2006

Smoking Ban Hasn't Snuffed Economy, Study Says
The Morning News, Springdale, Arkansas, 24 May 2006

Some Little Rock Restaurants Go Smoke Free
KATV-7, Little Rock, Arkansas, 21 May 2006

Governor's health kick good for Arkansas
Arkansas News Bureau, Little Rock, Arkansas, 30 April 2006

Draft creates smoking fine up to $1,000
Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Little Rock, Arkansas, 28 April 2006

Put down the cigarette and step away
The Daily Citizen, Searcy, Arkansas, 24 April 2006

General Assembly praised for historic, efficient session
Arkansas News Bureau, Little Rock, Arkansas, 16 April 2006

Arkansas Joins States With Smoking Ban
The Morning News, Springdale, Arkansas, 15 April 2006

City Smoking Bans Still Stand
The Morning News, Springdale, Arkansas, 12 April 2006

City not hot and bothered by ban on smoking
Texarkana Gazette, Texarkana , Texas, 12 April 2006

Huckabee Inks Smoking Ban
Times Record, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 11 April 2006

New laws will set new challenges
Hope Star, Hope, Arkansas, 11 April 2006

Pat on the back for General Assembly
The Sun, Jonesboro Sun, Arkansas, 9 April 2006

Governor signs smoking ban legislation
Arkansas News Bureau, Little Rock, Arkansas, 8 April 2006

Smoke-free state
Northwest Arkansas Times, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 8 April 2006

Arkansas Bans Smoking in Most Public Spots
Forbes, 7 April 2006

Smoke-free state
Northwest Arkansas Times, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 7 April 2006

Governor Signs Smoking Ban
KTHV-11, Little Rock, Arkansas, 7 April 2006

State Passes Smoking Ban
KHBS-40, Fort Smith/Fayetteville, Arkansas, 7 April 2006

Smoking ban bill moves forward, expected on governor's desk today
Arkansas News Bureau, Little Rock, Arkansas, 7 April 2006

Senators Give Nod To Smoking Ban
Times Record, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 6 April 2006

Huckabee to abandon smoking ban?
Arkansas Times, Little Rock, Arkansas, 6 April 2006

Smoking ban legislation clears final hurdle, headed for House floor vote
Arkansas News Bureau, Little Rock, Arkansas, 6 April 2006

Ark. House approves amended version of smoking ban proposal
Pine Bluff Commercial, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, 6 April 2006

Smoking ban passes House
Arkansas Times, Little Rock, Arkansas, 6 April 2006

Senate passes smoking ban
Arkansas News Bureau, Little Rock, Arkansas, 5 April 2006

House Panel Advances Smoking Ban
KTHV-11, Little Rock, Arkansas, 5 April 2006

Legislature convenes special session
Arkansas News Bureau, Little Rock, Arkansas, 4 April 2006

Arkansans Rally In The Name Of Clean Air
KTHV-11, Little Rock, Arkansas, 4 April 2006

Smoking Ban Recommended By Senate Committee
KHBS-40, Fort Smith/Fayetteville, Arkansas, 4 April 2006

BCTCC distributes new tobacco resource guide
The Baxter Bulletin, Mountain Home, Arkansas, 4 April 2006

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CALIFORNIA

See Tobacco.org.

According to Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, California law already prohibits smoking in public places and enclosed workplaces, including restaurants and bars.

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COLORADO

See Tobacco.org.

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CONNECTICUT

See Tobacco.org.

According to Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, Connecticut law already prohibits smoking in specified public places, including restaurants and bars, as well as workplaces with five or more employees.

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DELAWARE

See Tobacco.org.

According to Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, Delaware law already prohibits smoking in public places and all workplaces, including restaurants and bars.

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FLORIDA

See Tobacco.org.

According to Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, Florida's state constitution prohibits smoking in public places and enclosed workplaces, including restaurants.

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GEORGIA
See Tobacco.org.

According to Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, Georgia law already prohibits smoking in public places and most workplaces, including restaurants and bars. Exceptions include private bars, establishments which deny access and employment to minors, and separately ventilated rooms in restaurants and bars.

Small-town USA joins no-smoking trend
Ledger-Enquirer, Columbus, Georgia, 22 April 2006

FVSU Plans To Go Smoke Free
WMAZ-13, Macon, Georgia, 5 April 2006

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HAWAII

See Tobacco.org.

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IDAHO

See Tobacco.org.

According to Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, Idaho law already prohibits smoking in restaurants and bars, as well as publicly owned workplaces.

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ILLINOIS

See Tobacco.org.

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INDIANA

See Tobacco.org.

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IOWA

See Tobacco.org.

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KANSAS

See Tobacco.org.

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KENTUCKY
See Tobacco.org.

LexTran clarifies smoking rules outside bus center
Herald Leader, Lexington, Kentucky, 29 June 2006

'Ban' is no ban
The Courier-Journal, Louisville, Kentucky, 25 June 2006

UK Tobacco Researcher: Louisville Indoor Air Quality Still a ...
University of Kentucky News, Lexington, Kentucky, 20 June 2006

Some push for tougher city ban on smoking
The Courier-Journal, Louisville, Kentucky, 21 June 2006

Louisville group wants tougher smoking ban
Herald Leader, Lexington, Kentucky, 20 June 2006

Morehead joins smoking ban lineup, Frankfort on deck
Herald Leader, Lexington, Kentucky, 13 June 2006

EKU, City of Morehead Pass Smoking Bans
WTVQ-36, Lexington, Kentucky, 13 June 2006

Morehead passes smoking ban
Herald Leader, Lexington, Kentucky, 13 June 2006

Smoking Bans Up for Vote in Morehead, at EKU
WTVQ-36, Lexington, Kentucky, 12 June 2006

EKU board of regents passes revised smoking policy
Herald Leader, Lexington, Kentucky, 12 June 2006

Smoking Ban
WBKO-13, Bowling Green, Kentucky, 12 June 2006

Smoking bans gain momentum
The Courier-Journal, Louisville, Kentucky, 11 June 2006

City Hall might go smoke-free
The Courier-Journal, Louisville, Kentucky, 11 June 2006

Louisville may extend smoking ban to government buildings
Herald Leader, Lexington, Kentucky, 11 June 2006

Mayor: Smoking ban has the votes
Henderson Gleaner, Henderson, Kentucky, 11 June 2006

Lessons from Boulder on tighter smoking ban
The Courier-Journal, Louisville, Kentucky, 29 May 2006

Strengthen ban, protect yourself
The Courier-Journal, Louisville, Kentucky, 15 May 2006

Morehead could go smoke-free
Herald Leader, Lexington, Kentucky, 10 May 2006

Morehead council passes first read on smoking ban
Herald Leader, Lexington, Kentucky, 9 May 2006

Smoke ban leaves cons with jitters
Kentucky Post, Covington, Kentucky, 8 May 2006

Kentucky prison bans tobacco; others may follow
WTVQ-36, Lexington, Kentucky, 8 March 2006

Kentucky prison bans tobacco; others may follow
Herald Leader, Lexington, Kentucky, 7 May 2006

Mayfield [Kentucky] Restaurant Goes Non Smoking
KFVS-12, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 3 May 2006

Pike County Passes Smoking Ordinance
WKYT-27, Lexington, Kentucky, 2 May 2006

City will consider smoking ban in June
Henderson Gleaner, Henderson, Kentucky, 26 April 2006

Frankfort asks restaurants to voluntarily ban smoking
WKYT-27, Lexington, Kentucky, 26 April 2006

Louisville trails small towns on smoking
The Courier-Journal, Louisville, Kentucky, 24 April 2006

Small-town USA joins no-smoking trend
Herald Leader, Lexington, Kentucky, 22 April 2006

Bingo halls can permit smoking
The Courier-Journal, Louisville, Kentucky, 22 April 2006

Smoking ban for bingo revived
Herald Leader, Lexington, Kentucky, 21 April 2006

Another ban
Herald Leader, Lexington, Kentucky, 19 April 2006

Smoking ban approved in Letcher County
Herald Leader, Lexington, Kentucky, 12 April 2006

Letcher County approves smoking ban in all public buildings
Herald Leader, Lexington, Kentucky, 12 April 2006

Letcher County approves smoking ban in all public buildings
Herald Leader, Lexington, Kentucky, 11 April 2006

Taking a seat for clean air: High school students back smoke-free dining
Daily News, Bowling Green, Kentucky, 5 April 2006

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LOUISIANA
See Tobacco.org.

Governor signs smoking ban
The Daily Advertiser, Lafayette, Louisiana, 30 June 2006

Governor Signs Smoking Bill
KLFY-10, Lafayette, Louisiana, 30 June 2006

Locals: Smoke free OK
Daily Iberian, New Iberia, Louisiana, 29 June 2006

Gov. Blanco should sign two bills restricting smoking
The Times, Shreveport, Louisiana, 29 June 2006

Blanco under pressure on proposed smoking ban
Daily Leader, Leesville, Louisiana, 29 June 2006

"People do not smoke. Cigarettes smoke. The people are just the suckers."
--Louisiana State Representative A.G. Crowe

Lawmakers approve ban on smoking in all restaurants
Daily Leader, Leesville, Louisiana, 19 June 2006

Senate approves smoking ban bill
The Times, Shreveport, Louisiana, 17 June 2006

Legislature approves ban on smoking in all La. restaurants
Times Picayune, New Orleans, Louisiana, 17 June 2006

Senate OKs bill to ban smoking in restaurants
WBRZ-2, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 17 June 2006

House adopts measure to snuff out restaurant smoking
Times Picayune, New Orleans, Louisiana, 16 June 2006

Legislature approves ban on smoking in all La. restaurants
KATC-3, Lafayette, Louisiana, 16 June 2006

Smoking change snuffs support
WBRZ-2, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 11 June 2006

House Committee Approves Smoking Ban
KLFY-10, Lafayette, Louisiana, 8 June 2006

Bill to snuff out smoking in eateries advances
Times Picayune, New Orleans, Louisiana, 8 June 2006

Louisiana House to vote on restaurant smoking ban
KLFY-10, Lafayette, Louisiana, 7 June 2006

Restaurant smoking ban
KATC-3, Lafayette, Louisiana, 5 June 2006

Smoking ban will improve public health
WBRZ-2, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 26 May 2006

Ventilation not answer to problems of smoking
The Daily Advertiser, Lafayette, Louisiana, 16 May 2006

Senate approves smoking ban legislation
The Daily Reveille, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 4 May 2006

La. Senate backs ban on smoking ban in restaurants, public buildings
The Times, Shreveport, Louisiana, 3 May 2006

La. Senate passes restaurant smoking ban
The Daily Advertiser, Lafayette, Louisiana, 2 May 2006

Senate OKs ban on smoking in La. restaurants
KATC-3, Lafayette, Louisiana, 2 May 2006

Smoke Screen
The Daily Reveille, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 28 April 2006

Panel passes smoking ban
WBRZ-2, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 27 April 2006

Smoking ban heads to Senate
The Times, Shreveport, Louisiana, 27 April 2006

Bill To Ban Restaurant Smoking Statewide
KSLA-12, Shreveport, Louisiana, 27 April 2006

Smoking Ban Passes Senate Committee
KLFY-10, Lafayette, Louisiana, 27 April 2006

Smoking ban heads to Senate
The Times, Shreveport, Louisiana, 26 April 2006

A year after passage, businesses seem unscathed by smoking law
KATC-3, Lafayette, Louisiana, 26 April 2006

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MAINE

See Tobacco.org.

According to Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, Maine law already prohibits smoking in restaurants, bars, and public places.

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MARYLAND

See Tobacco.org.

According to Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, Maryland law already prohibits smoking in public places and enclosed workplaces, including restaurants and bars.

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MASSACHUSETTS

See Tobacco.org.

According to Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, Massachusetts law already prohibits smoking in specified public places, including workplaces, restaurants, and bars.

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MICHIGAN

See Tobacco.org.

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MINNESOTA

See Tobacco.org.

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MISSISSIPPI
See Tobacco.org.

Report Renews Interest in Smoking Ordinance
WTOK-11, Meridian, Mississippi, 28 June 2006

Tupelo smoking ban leaders organize
Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 20 June 2006

Mississippi should get a whiff of this
The Democrat, Natchez, Mississippi, 18 June 2006

Smoking ban petitions circulate throughout Tupelo
Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 16 June 2006

Mantachie hearing set for ban on smoking
Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 14 June 2006

Miss. should ban smoking in public
The Clarion-Ledger, Jackson, Mississippi, 13 June 2006

Locals to continue anti-smoking programs
The Commercial Dispatch, Columbus, Mississippi, 3 June 2006

Tupelo watches Starkville smoking ban impact
Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 21 May 2006

Starkville sets new smoke-free standard
The Clarion-Ledger, Jackson, Mississippi, 21 May 2006

No smoking: Starkville ban takes effect
Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 21 May 2006

Smoke-free law still set to take effect
Starkville Daily News, Starkville, Mississippi, 18 May 2006

EDITORIAL: No smoking
Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 26 April 2006

Supporters of Tupelo smoking ban look for help
Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 25 April 2006

Partnership: Maintain anti-smoking efforts
The Clarion-Ledger, Jackson, Mississippi, 24 April 2006

Secondhand smoke: 'Huge' health threat
Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 23 April 2006

Small-town USA joins no-smoking trend
Sun Herald, Biloxi, Mississippi, 22 April 2006

Starkville prepares for smoking ban
Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 7 April 2006

Tupelo's health Follow Starkville's lead and ban public smoking
Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 4 April 2006

Tupelo leaders want citizens to air views on smoking ban
Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 3 April 2006

Belts, smoking among this session's issues
Sun Herald, Biloxi, Mississippi, 2 April 2006

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MISSOURI
See Tobacco.org.

Report gives KC the facts to support smoking bans
Kansas City Star, Kansas City, Missouri, 29 June 2006

Madison County gets an earful about smoking at restaurants
Post-Dispatch, St. Louis, Missouri, 28 June 2006

Smoking or nonsmoking?
Post-Dispatch, St. Louis, Missouri, 26 June 2006

Madison County Health Department will hold a town meeting on smoking in restaurants
Post-Dispatch, St. Louis, Missouri, 26 June 2006

County seeks comments on smoking in restaurants
Post-Dispatch, St. Louis, Missouri, 26 June 2006

Smoking on the menu in Madison County?
Post-Dispatch, St. Louis, Missouri, 25 June 2006

Will Kirksville support a smoke-free ordinance
KTVO-3, Kirksville, Missouri, 19 June 2006

Smoking ban is no threat
Post-Dispatch, St. Louis, Missouri, 19 June 2006

Council weighs smoking options
The Examiner, Blue Springs, Missouri, 16 June 2006

Smoke-free bars find favor in poll
Daily Tribune, Columbia, Missouri, 13 June 2006

Smoking ban on ballot for Independence
The Examiner, Blue Springs, Missouri, 8 June 2006

Smoking ban splits council
Columbia Missourian, Columbia, Missouri, 28 May 2006

Bans on smoking gain momentum
Kansas City Star, Kansas City, Missouri, 28 May 2006

Most restaurants already smoke-free, survey says
Daily Tribune, Columbia, Missouri, 26 May 2006

Ex-surgeon general touts smoking ban
Daily Tribune, Columbia, Missouri, 23 May 2006

Former surgeon general wants a smoke-free nation
Daily Tribune, Columbia, Missouri, 19 May 2006

Elders joins in push to ban smoking
Columbia Missourian, Columbia, Missouri, 19 May 2006

Momentum grows for smoking bans
Kansas City Star, Kansas City, Missouri, 17 May 2006

Council to revisit smoking ordinance
The Examiner, Blue Springs, Missouri, 11 May 2006

Mayfield [Kentucky] Restaurant Goes Non Smoking
KFVS-12, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 3 May 2006

MU Health Care puts more limits on smoking
Kansas City Star, Kansas City, Missouri, 1 May 2006

Hospitals ban all smoking on premises
Daily Tribune, Columbia, Missouri, 29 April 2006

On fire about smoking
Kansas City Star, Kansas City, Missouri, 24 April 2006

Critic of smoking ban proposal misses the point
Daily Tribune, Columbia, Missouri, 24 April 2006

Smoking Bans Not Just For Big Cities Anymore
KMBC-9, Kansas City, Missouri, 24 April 2006

Smoking bans
Kansas City Star, Kansas City, Missouri, 18 April 2006

Roeland Park council approves smoking ban
Kansas City Star, Kansas City, Missouri, 17 April 2006

Smoking bans gain traction
Kansas City Star, Kansas City, Missouri, 14 April 2006

Smoking ban wins approval
Daily Tribune, Columbia, Missouri, 12 April 2006

Ex-surgeon general to speak on secondhand smoke
Daily Tribune, Columbia, Missouri, 10 April 2006

Ball starts rolling on smoking bans
Kansas City Star, Kansas City, Missouri, 4 April 2006

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MONTANA

See Tobacco.org.

According to Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, Montana law already prohibits smoking in public places and workplaces, including restaurants, bars, and casinos. However, there is a lengthy phase-in period for bars.

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NEBRASKA

See Tobacco.org.

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NEVADA

See Tobacco.org.

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NEW HAMPSHIRE

See Tobacco.org.

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NEW JERSEY

See Tobacco.org.

Butts Out: NJ's Smoking Ban Takes Effect
Forbes, 15 April 2006

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NEW MEXICO

See Tobacco.org.

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NEW YORK
See Tobacco.org.

According to Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, New York law already prohibits smoking in public places and workplaces, including restaurants and bars.

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NORTH CAROLINA
See Tobacco.org.

House members also back General Assembly smoking ban
WWAY-3, Wilmington, North Carolina, 29 June 2006

Secondhand smoke more dangerous than believed
News 14 Carolina, Raleigh, North Carolina, 28 June 2006

Smoking sidewalk: Hospital's tobacco ban drives workers, others over the line
The Daily Reflector, Greenville, North Carolina, 22 June 2006

Eateries go smokeless, see increased business
The Wilson Daily Times, Wilson, North Carolina, 22 June 2006

NC Senate approves its General Assembly smoking ban bill
News 14 Carolina, Raleigh, North Carolina, 20 June 2006

N.C. Senate panel approves General Assembly smoking ban
Morning Star, Wilmington, North Carolina, 15 June 2006

House Panel Approves General Assembly Smoking Ban
WRAL-5, Raleigh, North Carolina, 14 June 2006

Outer Banks Sentinel Pots on ’N’ Kitchen goes smoke-free
Outer Banks Sentinel, Nags Head, North Carolina, 24 May 2006

Smoking bans making their way even to small, Deep South towns
Winston-Salem Journal, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 23 April 2006

Public health efforts prevent disease, save lives
The Charlotte Observer, Charlotte, North Carolina, 3 April 2006

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NORTH DAKOTA

See Tobacco.org.

According to Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, North Dakota law already prohibits smoking in public places and workplaces, including restaurants.

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OHIO

See Tobacco.org.

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OKLAHOMA

See Tobacco.org.

According to Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, Oklahoma law already prohibits smoking in public places and most indoor workplaces, including restaurants. By March 1, 2006, restaurants must be totally nonsmoking or have separately ventilated smoking rooms.

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OREGON

See Tobacco.org.

According to Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, Oregon law already prohibits smoking in public places and workplaces, including restaurants which deny access to minors.

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PENNSYLVANIA

See Tobacco.org.

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RHODE ISLAND

See Tobacco.org.

According to Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, Rhode Island law already prohibits smoking in public places and all workplaces, restaurants, and bars.

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SOUTH CAROLINA
See Tobacco.org.

N.C. lawmakers vote to ban smoking in all legislative buildings
Sun News, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 30 June 2006

Warning sparks new hope for smoking ban
Herald Journal, Spartanburg, South Carolina, 29 June 2006

Thank you for not smoking
The Herald, Rock Hill, South Carolina, 29 June 2006

Secondhand Smoke Tested in Local Restaurants
WLTX-19, Columbia, South Carolina, 26 June 2006

Sullivan's Island Bans Smoking; Is Columbia Next?
WLTX-19, Columbia, South Carolina, 21 June 2006

Smoke Free Lowcountry
WCSC-5, Charleston, South Carolina, 16 June 2006

Let's ban smoking in city restaurants [click link and scroll down]
The Greenville News, Greenville, South Carolina, 23 May 2006

Sullivans Island OKs first S.C. smoking ban
Sun News, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 18 May 2006

Sullivans Island passes state's first smoking ban
The State, Columbia, South Carolina, 17 May 2006

Sullivan's Island Smoking Ban
WCIV-4, Charleston, South Carolina, 16 May 2006

Going smoke-free
The Greenville News, Greenville, South Carolina, 14 May 2006

Restaurants going smoke-free
The Greenville News, Greenville, South Carolina, 10 May 2006

How They Voted
The Post and Courier, Charleston, South Carolina, 30 April 2006

House snuffs out bill to ban smoking at bars
The State, Columbia, South Carolina, 27 April 2006

SC House vote: Smokers can keep lighting up in restaurants
Sun News, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 27 April 2006

Bill that bans restaurant smoking dies in House
The State, Columbia, South Carolina, 26 April 2006

Bill that bans restaurant smoking dies in [South Carolina] House
The Herald-Tribune, Sarasota, Florida, 26 April 2006

Legislators to consider tourism issues
Island Packet, Hilton Head, South Carolina, 25 April 2006

Bills in jeopardy as legislative clock winds down
The Post and Courier, Charleston, South Carolina, 25 April 2006

Small-town USA joins no-smoking trend
The State, Columbia, South Carolina, 22 April 2006

House debates divisive smoking ban this week
Sun News, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 16 April 2006

Wouldn't fresh air sell?
The State, Columbia, South Carolina, 11 April 2006

Should smoking be banned in restaurants and bars in South Carolina?
The State, Columbia, South Carolina, 11 April 2006

House anti-smoking plans see progress
The Post and Courier, Charleston, South Carolina, 7 April 2006

Could area restaurants one day be smoke free?
Index Journal, Greenwood, South Carolina, 6 April 2006

Smoking ban altered on way to floor
The State, Columbia, South Carolina, 5 April 2006

House Judiciary approves restaurant smoking ban bill
Beaufort Gazette, Beaufort, South Carolina, 5 April 2006

House Judiciary approves restaurant smoking ban bill
The State, Columbia, South Carolina, 4 April 2006

House Judiciary approves restaurant smoking ban bill
Sun News, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 4 April 2006

Bill would ban smoking in South Carolina restaurants
WIS-TV10, Columbia, South Carolina, 4 April 2006

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SOUTH DAKOTA

See Tobacco.org.

According to Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, South Dakota law already prohibits smoking in public places and enclosed workplaces, including restaurants, except those licensed to sell alcohol.

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TENNESSEE
See Tobacco.org.

More Smoking Bans Coming to Tennessee?
WDEF-12, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 28 June 2006

Surgeon general says all secondary smoke deadly
Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 28 June 2006

Surgeon general says only smoke-free places fully protect nonsmokers
Oak Ridger, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 27 June 2006

Legislature shouldn’t allow smoking on taxpayer time
The City Paper, Nashville, Tennessee, 22 June 2006

Anti-smoking laws must be expanded
The Mountain Press, Sevierville, Tennessee, 21 June 2006

Bredesen Wants More Smoking Bans
WTVF-5, Nashville, Tennessee, 21 June 2006

Smoking ban leaves lasting effects on Legislative Plaza
The City Paper, Nashville, Tennessee, 21 June 2006

State should quit supporting tobacco [click link and scroll down]
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 15 June 2006

Smoking damages smokers, others [click link and scroll down]
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 15 June 2006

Smoking ban was correct
The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville, Tennessee, 3 June 2006

Smoke-free (at last) [click link and scroll down]
Nashville Scene, Nashville, Tennessee, 31 May 2006

Tennessee lawmakers approve smoking ban
The State, Columbia, South Carolina, 28 May 2006

Tenn. sends smokers outside
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 27 May 2006

State House passes smoking ban for state buildings
Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 27 May 2006

Smoking banned is all state owned buildings
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 27 May 2006

State House members: It's time to ban smoking
Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 25 May 2006

Tennessee House To Vote On Smoking Ban
WREG-3, Memphis, Tennessee, 25 May 2006

Senate votes to restrict tobacco
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 24 May 2006

Smoking ban for state buildings still alive in Tennessee Legislature
Elizabethton Star, Elizabethton, Tennessee, 24 May 2006

Tennessee takes step to ban smoking in state buildings
Southern Standard, McMinnville, Tennessee, 24 May 2006

Records show campaign donations by opponents of tobacco tax
WATE-6, Knoxville, Tennessee, 23 May 2006

How much must we pay our lawmakers to represent us?
Is this their idea of ethics?

Senate OKs smoking ban for state buildings
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 23 May 2006

Tennessee takes step toward banning smoking in state buildings
Oak Ridger, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 23 May 2006

Smoking ban set for Senate vote today
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 23 May 2006

Capitol smoking ban passes state Senate
Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 23 May 2006

Smoking ban for state buildings alive in Tennessee Legislature
WREG-3, Memphis, Tennessee, 23 May 2006

Tennessee Senate approves smoking ban for state buildings
WMC-5, Memphis, Tennessee, 23 May 2006

Tennessee Senate approves smoking ban for state buildings
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 22 May 2006

Committee passes smoking provision
The City Paper, Nashville, Tennessee, 17 May 2006

Bill to ban smoking in state buildings stalls [click link and scroll down]
Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 11 May 2006

Kid treatment for communities
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 6 May 2006

The debate on smoking in restaurants
WATE-6, Knoxville, Tennessee, 5 May 2006

Why does Tenn. spend nothing on smoking prevention?
WATE-6, Knoxville, Tennessee, 5 May 2006

Small towns join no-smoking trend
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 23 April 2006

Indoor smoking ban advances in House
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 19 April 2006

Indoor smoking ban advances in House
Oak Ridger, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 19 April 2006

Indoor smoking ban advances in House
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 19 April 2006

Clear the air in Tennessee
Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 16 April 2006

Bill banning indoor smoking advances
The Daily Times, Maryville, Tennessee, 12 April 2006

Potential smoking ban gets a boost
The News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 12 April 2006

Bill banning most indoor smoking ban surprisingly advances
Oak Ridger, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 12 April 2006

General Assembly briefs: Bill limiting indoor smoking gets boost
Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 12 April 2006

Bill banning most indoor smoking ban surprisingly advances
WMC-5, Memphis, Tennessee, 11 April 2006

Last week's question: Do you think smoking should be banned in restaurants or other public places?
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 2 April 2006

Lawmakers have duty to address tobacco risks
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 1 April 2006

The consequences of our inaction are severe. Half of all smokers die from a tobacco-related cause. Half of these deaths occur during midlife (35-69 years of age). On average, smokers die 10 years earlier than nonsmokers. Ten thousand of the 440,000 Americans who die each year from smoking are Tennesseans.

These risks are not limited to smokers. For every eight smokers that tobacco kills, one nonsmoker also is killed. In Tennessee, this means that between 970 and 1,720 nonsmokers die each year from breathing in other people's smoke, most from heart disease and lung cancer.

Recently, two House bills that would have helped protect Tennesseans from tobacco-related disease and death were defeated by the Agriculture Committee. Rep. Joey Hensley's bill to prohibit smoking in restaurants that employ or permit access by children was defeated 13-1. Rep. Paul Stanley's bill to allow individual cities and counties to decide for themselves whether to ban smoking from public buildings and restaurants was referred to a "study committee" -- a euphemism for death by neglect.

Other bills this year are unlikely to fare any better since House rules require all smoking-related bills to be routed through the Agriculture Committee. Fourteen House members who oversee farm legislation should not have ultimate authority over critically important health-related bills that affect all Tennesseans.

The influence of Big Tobacco on the Agriculture Committee's decisions is clear. The Tennessee Restaurant Association lobbied against this year's restaurant smoking bills. The tobacco industry has pursued a long-term, multimillion-dollar strategy to convince restaurant and bar owners that clean air laws are bad for business, a claim that consistently has been shown to be false. In numerous cities and states, including California, Massachusetts, Delaware, Lexington, Ky., El Paso, Texas, and New York City, clean air laws have had no negative effects, and sometimes positive effects, on restaurant and bar business.

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TEXAS

See Tobacco.org.

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UTAH

See Tobacco.org.

According to Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, Utah law already prohibits smoking in public places and restaurants, including attached bars. All employers must have a smoking policy meeting specified criteria.

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VERMONT

See Tobacco.org.

According to Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, Vermont law already prohibits smoking in public places, restaurants, bars, and private clubs. All employers must have a written smoking policy meeting specified criteria.

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VIRGINIA
See Tobacco.org.

Smoke-free restaurants debate continues
Roanoke Times, Roanoke, Virginia, 28 June 2006

To Smoke or to Savor
Port Folio Weekly, Norfolk, Virginia, 23 May 2006

Central State to snuff smoking; some patients fume
Daily Press, Hampton Roads, Virginia, 8 May 2006

I wish Virginia would get smart--smoke-free
The Free Lance-Star, Fredericksburg, Virginia, 7 April 2006

Sparking activism
The Cavalier Daily, Charlottesville, Virginia, 3 April 2006

Part one of Washington's smoking ban begins Monday
WVEC-13, Norfolk, Virginia, 2 April 2006

Smokers harm more than themselves [click link and scroll down]
Roanoke Times, Roanoke, Virginia, 1 April 2006

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WASHINGTON

See Tobacco.org.

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WEST VIRGINIA
See Tobacco.org.

Smoking ban right move for Ashland
Herald Dispatch, Huntington, West Virginia, 18 June 2006

Ashland considers smoking ban
Herald Dispatch, Huntington, West Virginia, 16 June 2006

Putnam may ban smoking this fall
The Charleston Gazette, Charleston, West Virginia, 26 May 2006

Ohio County Smoking Ban Gets A Boost
The State Journal, Charleston, West Virginia, 15 May 2006

Smoking Appeal Rejected
The Intelligencer/Wheeling News Register, Wheeling, West Virginia, 13 May 2006

Voice of the people
Herald Dispatch, Huntington, West Virginia, 4 April 2006

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WISCONSIN

See Tobacco.org.

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WYOMING

See Tobacco.org.

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