HB 405 passed unanimously in Idaho. The bill now bans the sale of e-cigarettes containing nicotine to children, and while it passed unanimously, it had a very concerned critic at first. Representative Dick Harwood was very vocal about his concerns that the bill would create a “nanny state” in Idaho.

The claims he made originated from his sentiment that the ban was structured by groups and sponsors who, in all actuality, do not want anyone to smoke whatsoever. The sponsor, Representative Bob Nonini, did state that many of the groups and supporters do not want anyone to smoke at all, but Nonini himself is a smoker. Continue Reading

Pitt County Health Department is appealing a district judge's decision to reverse smoking fines against four local bars that allow smoking indoors.

A comprehensive smoking ban went into effect on January 2, 2010 that included banning smoking in restaurants and bars with the exception of private clubs operating as nonprofits.

The latest case is an appeal of a decision by Pitt County District Court Judge G. Galen Braddy. In November 2010, Braddy ruled in favor of four Pitt County bars, which had asked the court to review the health board’s decision to uphold the smoking fines levied by Dr. John Morrow, director of the health department. In his decision, Braddy wrote that it was unfair to allow smoking at nonprofit operations, including country clubs, while denying that right to for-profit private bars. He made clear that his decision to allow indoor smoking was limited to those four bars: Club 519, Live, 5th Street Distillery and Mac Billiards.

The Pitt County case is the second in North Carolina. In the first appeal, the Court of Appeals upheld a Guilford County court's decision. In that case, Gate City Billards owner in Greensboro challenged the equal protection clause that allowed private, non-profit clubs the right for smoking to still occur on premises. The court found Continue Reading

In Utah, Stacy Basinger is making the rounds to Price, Helper, and Wellington City Councils requesting that a boundary be included in city ordinances preventing smoking within 25 or 50 feet of ballparks. Ms. Basinger stated, "There's no constitutional right to smoke anywhere you want." She is steadfast in believing that the right to smoke ends when other lives might be at risk as a result of second-hand smoke.

Under fire is the health and well-being of those participating in sports activities. Those youngsters don't have the same choice to decide what they are inhaling as their smoking spectators. Smoking is currently Continue Reading

Everything is bigger in Texas, or so they say. This seems to include initiatives to knock out the right to smoke. San Marcos plans to stub out cigarettes city-wide with a vote on the November ballot.

Bars, restaurants, billiard halls, and bingo halls are included in the proposed smoking ban. Open forums were held on July 18 and July 21 where residents were allowed to speak openly about their concerns and offer support at the San Marcos Activity Center and the Texas Music Theater.

For those who attended the open forums, support for and against the proposed ban were evenly split. The City Council voted to put a nonbinding referendum on the November ballot allowing them to abandon the idea, even if there are enough votes to pass the ban. The only City Council member opposing the ban is Fred Terry. Mr. Terry stated that the ban removes private property rights of business owners. Continue Reading

Smoking bans encompass virtually every part of the country in one form or another. People do not appreciate all the health effects of secondhand smoke. It is understandable. That byproduct of cigarettes is riddled with chemicals that kill. Have you seen a list?

Benzene a known carcinogen associated with leukemia.
Formaldehyde causes cancer, respiratory, skin, and gastrointestinal problems. This is embalming fluid, used to preserve deceased individuals prior to funerals.
Ammonia is commonly found in commercial cleaners and fertilizers. It is used in cigarettes to boost the effect of nicotine.
Acetone is used to remove nail polish, but is also found in cigarettes.

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The debate over electronic cigarette inclusion in smoking bans continues to rise.

Some businesses in Nevada cheered at the proposed repeal of the smoking ban covering bars, taverns, and saloons; however some patrons didn't know the difference with establishments not following the ban to start.

New York, Virginia propose bans on smoking in residences to protect nearby tenants from second-hand smoke