ANNAPOLIS—The
Smoke-Free Maryland Coalition today heralded the passage of the Clean
Indoor Air Act of 2007 (SB 91). The bill prohibits smoking in all
indoor workplaces, including all restaurants and bars in Maryland.
“When Governor O’Malley signs this bill, Maryland will become the 18th
smoke-free state. We thank the bill sponsors, Senator Garagiola and
Delegate Barbara Frush, and the cosponsors for their decisive action
that will help protect employees and patrons and prevent illness and
deaths from secondhand smoke,” said Bonita Pennino, Government
Relations director for the American Cancer Society (Maryland/DC).
“Today
is a huge victory for every bartender, waitress, server and other
hospitality worker who has been unwillingly exposed to the dangers of
secondhand smoke while all other employees are afforded protection.
This bill will save lives, diminish suffering and help prevent
illnesses related to secondhand smoke,” said Michaeline Fedder,
president of Smoke-Free Maryland and director of Advocacy for American
Heart Association in Maryland.
“This is a victory for public health and Maryland
now has one of the strongest smoke-free laws in the country. We thank
the legislators for prioritizing public health,” said Johanna Neumann,
policy advocate for the Maryland Public Interest Research Group.
“After
many years of tireless effort from thousands of advocates and
supporters, we have achieved clean indoor air for all of workers in Maryland. Soon every worker and patron in Maryland
bars and restaurants will be able to take a deep breath without the
fear of inhaling cancer-causing chemicals. The legislation will save
thousands of lives and millions of dollars in healthcare. It was the
right thing to do and we congratulate the legislature on the work they
have done,” said Steve Peregoy, president and CEO of American Lung
Association of Maryland.
Additional Contacts:
Kari Appler, Smoke Free Maryland, 443-812-3718
Susan O’Brien, American Cancer Society, 443-254-3900
