Madness Factor

Washington State just passed the toughest statewide smoking ban in the nation. Not only are people prohibited from smoking inside public places—including restaurants, bars, and nontribal casinos—but where smokers can light up outside is limited now too. Language in the new law states that smokers must be at least 25 feet from any public doorway, window or vent. Passersby are exempt.

First off, I’ll come clean: I was once a smoker, but I quit for good in 1995. I’m now one of those ex-smokers that all smokers hate. I detest cigarette smoke, and I believe it is harmful, first- or secondhand. I’m aware of the controversy surrounding the research, but my dead relatives and asthma are all the proof I need.

Despite my strong anti-smoking sentiment, I have mixed feelings on the new Washington ban. I’m delighted I can now go to any bar, pub, or club in Seattle without compromising my health, but I think the 25-foot rule is excessive. I can’t think of a single instance when I’ve been in a nonsmoking establishment and been affected by the smokers lighting up outside. It seems like an unenforceable law, and one that could have a greater impact on businesses than the usual indoor smoking ban.

My husband owns a pub, and it remains to be seen how this will affect his business. Smokers may think the ban a good enough reason to stay home. Without the 25-foot rule, I think the law would have had little effect, as evidenced by the bans in New York, California, and my hubby’s native Ireland. In Ireland, most pubs have set up designated smoking areas (many of them covered), and patrons can easily slip out to have a puff. With the law here, however, smokers will have to stand in the middle of the street to avoid doorways and windows.

I’m all for finding creative ways to convince smokers to quit the nasty, dirty, stinking habit, but forcing them to dodge traffic is a little extreme.

To read more about the law, see this Seattle PI article.