Smoking in restaurants, bars, and casinos is something which has long been a fixture in the food and entertainment industry. Often non-smokers avoided places which allowed smoking for both work and recreation. However in 1998 California became one of the first to pass a bill which outlawed smoking in casinos, bars, clubs and restaurants. In the last ten years, other states such as Arizona, Florida, New York and recently Oregon have followed California's example. In 2001 Oregon law makers argued both sides of the law, however it was passed by a reasonable margin. The main reasons the bill passed was attributed to the need for a healthy work environment and a smoke free zone for consumers who did not smoke.
For years smoking on the job was completely acceptable. As recently as 15 years ago, people were still smoking at their desks during the day. However throughout the 80's and early 90's law makers in Oregon again worked to create a healthy work place by banning smoking at indoor job sites. This law guaranteed a smoke free work place for all, but they forgot a few people, those who work in bars, restaurants and casinos. As more and more research came out regarding the health issues with second hand smoke, it was brought to light, it was time for an amendment. In 2001 Oregon decided it was time to create an equal law which would include workers in restaurants and bars. The new law makes smoking in any work place such as casinos or bowling allies illegal for all by 2009.
Dining out, club hopping, a bowling date, all of these things should be remembered as an experience, not as an experience in a cloud of smoke. In the past restaurant and bar owners offered both a non and smoking section. However after examining the filtration systems in restaurants, health officials reported increased chances of second hand smoke health problems. Smoke does not filter out to the outside because of the ventilation systems in buildings. This makes the smoke stale and thick. Many people avoid places such as these because of this one reason! Then once the health risks are added, no one wants to smell and have cancer at the same time! The only way to insure a healthy environment is to have smoking outside. This has an appeal to non-smokers because not only can they dine and actually smell their dinners but they can also not worry about developing other health risks. For restaurant workers, they are able to also rest easy and know their work environment is not causing them cancer.
Some feel the bill takes the rights away from adults to choose what they do to their own bodies. While this may be true, smokers are also taking the same right away from non-smokers. Oregon compromised by allowing smoking out doors. While not everyone agrees with this compromise, all parties agreed.
Smoking can effect everyone who is exposed to it. Being exposed to second hand smoke exposes non-smokers to all the same risks as if they smoked. They can develop lung cancer, emphysema, and asthma. Some feel by working in places where smoking is allowed such as bingo halls or clubs, the employee is knowingly exposing themselves to smoke and the health risks. However, previous legislation promised a smoke free work environment for all, not simply for those who can work a better job.
Oregon is taking strict steps to enforce this bill as it is something Oregon law makers believe in. There are fines and other consequences for being non-compliant to this bill for business owners. Being healthy and making sure Oregon workers are healthy is something in the forefront in the minds of all Oregon law makers and it should be the same for all Oregonians. No one wakes up one morning and thinking they want to die of lung cancer, it shouldn't even be an option.
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