Maine House Gives Final Approval to Smokefree Bars
House Votes 95-47 to Become 5th Smokefree State

Augusta, June 3, 2003... Maine's House of Representatives voted 95-47 to join California, Delaware, New York, and Connecticut in passing smokefree workplace legislation for ALL workers. The bill now goes to the full Senate where it is expected to pass. Earlier this month the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee voted 12-1 in favor of the legislation.

Gov. John Baldacci has also indicated support for the measure. “If the bill reaches his desk, he more than likely will sign it,” said Lee Umphrey, Baldacci’s director of communications. Smokefree bars “clearly reflects his interest in a healthy Maine,” Umphrey said.

Having already passed smokefree restaurant legislation four years ago, Maine has seen the benefit of smokefree laws. Consequently, opposition to this year's smokefree bar proposal has been minimal.

"We're tired of working in an environment that is not safe or healthy," said Rep. Leila Percy, a Phippsburg Democrat who works as a singer and bandleader in the haze of clubs that serve alcohol.

Rep. Roger Landry said that after his decade-long battle against cancer, he puts health concerns over personal freedoms cited by the bill's opponents.

To become the 5th smokefree state, Maine will have to compete with Massachusetts and Rhode Island which are also in final stages of smokefree workplace legislation for ALL workers (including restaurant and bar workers).

Maine residents can send a letter of support at www.smokefree.org/ME

blue linePosted to this web site June 4, 2003
Source: SmokeFree Educational Services, Inc.