It is time for Minnesota to step up with a statewide smoking ban.
There will always be opposition to a smoking ban. There was significant opposition when Minnesota first enacted the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act in the 1970s.
Ban critics claim that a smoking ban harms business in restaurant and bars. Other arguments against bans include discrimination against smoker's rights, lack of proof of the dangers of secondhand smoke and economy hardships for businesses located next to other no ban areas.
These arguments are not good arguments for not prohibiting smoking in public places, such as bars and restaurants.
Smoking bans have passed legal challenges and are gaining momentum around the country.
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Meeker County has joined other Minnesota counties and cities, like Moorhead and Olmsted County, in passing smoking bans. Olmsted County was the leader on this issue for nearly five years. Meeker County has had a ban in place for 15 months and Moorhead for two years.
A statewide smoking ban placing all counties and cities on the same page would be an important step.
The public health findings identifying the dangers of smoking and of secondhand smoke are significant. For nearly 50 years, U.S. Surgeon General reports have identified the dangers of smoking and secondhand smoke exposure.
The political landscape of the Minnesota Legislature changes in January. Political analysts believe this new legislative leadership, especially in the House, will be more inclined to consider a statewide smoking ban.
There is a growing consensus that the time for a statewide smoking ban has come. The Legislature should pass the "Freedom to Breathe Act" in the 2007 session.
We commend Meeker County and other cities and counties courageous enough to implement smoking bans on their own.
