A Pennsylvania Representative is introducing new legislation that would bank smoking from more public places. Representative Mario Scavello (R-Monroe) introduced House bill 845, which would strengthen the Clean Indoor Air Act (CIAA) by eliminating exceptions to the statewide smoking ban.
Under this legislation, the following exceptions are removed meaning smoking would be banned: bars, casino gaming floors, private clubs, residential facilities, fundraisers, tobacco promotion events, full service truck stops, hotel guest rooms and the workplace of tobacco manufacturer, wholesaler or processor of tobacco products. This legislation also adds language that prohibits smoking in any outdoor deck, patio, or similar outdoor service area of a food or drinking establishment.
“What we forget is the folks that have to work in this environment that are breathing in that second-hand smoke,” said Representative Mario Scavello. “There can be no exceptions. If you walk into a food bar there’s not going to be smoking. Whether there is food or not.”
Electronic cigarettes are defined and included in the term smoking as these devices provide a vapor of nicotine for the use of inhalation.
Pennsylvania would join 25 other states with comprehensive smoke-free laws. The plan is supported by the American Lung Association, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, and Smokefree Pennsylvania.
To see a copy of the bill click here