Smoke Free Indy Position Statement on 371 Going Back to Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 2, 2009


Smoke Free Indy’s Position Statement

Indianapolis, Ind. – Proposal 371, which would extend the current smoke free air law to include bars, bowling alleys and membership clubs, was sent back for additional committee review at the last Marion County City-County Council meeting on Monday, November 30th. While the council did not enact Proposal 371 at that time, the smoke free air proposal remains a pressing issue for Indianapolis workers and residents.

This step is a temporary, but necessary, delay to our ultimate goal of protecting workers, including hospitality workers, from secondhand smoke in the workplace. There is already strong bipartisan support among the council and overwhelming community support. Over the next few months, we will continue to work diligently toward council passage and to gain Mayor Ballard's support.

Smoke Free Indy wants to thank the councillors who have supported and led the fight to make Indianapolis a healthier city in which to live and work. Comprehensive smoke free workplace laws prevent disease and death and improve the economic development climate by reducing preventable health care costs.

We will remain focused on the health of Indianapolis workers and we are hopeful that the council will continue to work to protect all workers in Indianapolis from the dangers of secondhand smoke. No one should have to choose between their jobs and their health.

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Smoke Free Indy is a coalition of state and local public health organizations, including the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association of Indiana as well as other groups, businesses, and Marion County residents, that support making all workplaces smoke free. We are dedicated to reducing secondhand smoke, tobacco usage and tobacco initiation through education, prevention and advocacy. For more information visit: www.smokefreeindy.com.