The danger of second-hand smoke is well established. "Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke can cause disease, including lung cancer, in nonsmokers. . ." reported the surgeon general of the United States. Studies show a causal relationship between environmental tobacco smoke and both lung cancer and cancers of the sinuses, concluded a report from the National Toxicology Program. Second-hand smoke also can lead to heart disease, according to studies reported in several medical journals.

So it is not surprising that the list of medical organizations and individuals named as sponsors or endorsers of Amendment 6 is long and prestigious. It includes the American Cancer Society, former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, the American Heart Association, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute and more than 100 others.

If Amendment 6 passes on Nov. 5, smoking would be prohibited in nearly all enclosed indoor workplaces. Because most offices already limit indoor smoking under the Florida Clean Indoor-Air Act, the amendment would have the greatest impact on restaurants and in-home businesses, such as child care. Stand-alone bars and tobacco shops could still allow smoking.

The tobacco industry, whose historic indifference to the health threats associated with smoking is well established, spent more than $300,000 early on to counter Amendment 6. The Florida Restaurant Association, which fears lost business from patrons who smoke, also opposes the amendment. "We think it should be a restaurant owner's right to determine if he or she wants to make a restaurant smoke-free," said Warren Husband, the association's general counsel. Under current law, a restaurant can reserve up to 35 percent of its space for smokers.

But that argument ignores the rights of those who work in restaurants and customers who have no smoke-free alternatives. Those people are forced to risk their health, and that is too great a price to pay. Besides, dire predictions that a smoking ban in restaurants would hurt business did not come true in California, which has had a strict indoor-air quality law in place since 1995.

If Amendment 6 passes, it would move Florida forward on an important matter involving public health and quality of life.

The Times recommends a YES vote on Amendment 6.

Ballot summary

To protect people from the health hazards of second-hand tobacco smoke, this amendment prohibits tobacco smoking in enclosed indoor workplaces. Allows exceptions for private residences except when they are being used to provide commercial child care, adult care or health care. Also allows exceptions for retail tobacco shops, designated smoking guest rooms at hotels and other public lodging establishments and stand-alone bars. Provides definitions, and requires the Legislature to promptly implement this amendment.

Back to Opinion

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright

From the Times
Opinion page