It’s three months and counting until the smoke clears and Coloradans enjoy brighter, healthier dining options. Gov. Bill Owens this week signed the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act, banning smoking in all but a few public establishments. Casinos and cigar bars are exempted. But otherwise the law is fairly sweeping, encompassing groceries, health care facilities, indoor sports arenas, apartment lobbies, taxicabs, bars, restaurants and more. The law takes effect July 1.
Families and individuals who have avoided taverns and smaller restaurants because they were affected or annoyed by a smoky environment can now enjoy a drink or meal without worrying about stuffy indoor pollution. Even more, workers also will benefit from the elimination of secondhand smoke.
We empathize with establishments that have catered to a smoking clientele – they will have to adjust or they could lose business. Based on the experience in other states with bans, though, we hope to see the opposite – the smoking ban will open the door to new patrons. Smokers won’t simply disappear – they’ll do what some smokers do now: step outside and light up. Since the ban will apply statewide, mom- and-pop taverns won’t have to fear that their clientele will drive to the next town to an establishment that allows smoking.
Take Pete’s Kitchen near downtown Denver, for example. Known for its diner-style breakfasts, Pete’s is an establishment where cigarettes can be seen day and night. “We’re pretty smoky here,” says manager Gina Belearde, estimating that at least half her customers are prone to light up. “But we don’t think the ban will hurt our business because it’s statewide,” she said.
Opponents of the smoking ban cited government intrusion and business risk, sensible concerns, but numerous studies over the years point to the health dangers of smoking and secondhand smoke. Eighty percent of Coloradans don’t smoke and more than 65 percent support the ban.
While Coloradans are among the nation’s fittest residents, even so some 4,300 residents are among 442,000 Americans who die each year from the effects of smoking, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. More than 35,000 Americans die from secondhand smoke.
Annual health care costs attributed to smoking in Colorado run to more than $1 billion. Cigarette-related fires, lost productivity and other non-health costs total $850 million a year statewide. The new law will yield savings in both areas.
‘Nuff said. We look forward to the fresher air in Colorado and the health benefits of the new law.
