LANSING – In an effort to protect Michigan residents and workers from the deadly dangers of secondhand smoke, State Representative Marc Corriveau (D-Northville) today voted for a plan that prohibits smoking in virtually all indoor public places – including restaurants and bars. The plan now heads to the Senate.
"Our residents who work hard to make ends meet shouldn't be forced to breathe in secondhand smoke while they are on the job," Corriveau said. "Thousands of people die from exposure to secondhand smoke every year. This plan to ban smoking in the workplace will protect our workers and save lives."
The plan prohibits smoking in places of employment and most public places, including bars and restaurants. Those who violate the law would be fined up to $100 for the first violation and up to $500 for any subsequent violations. The plan exempts certain cigar bars and tobacco specialty retail stores, casino game room floors, bingo halls and horse racing tracks. Some form of smoke-free law has been passed in 32 states.
Tobacco use is linked to all leading causes of death, such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic lower respiratory disease, and diabetes. Cigarette smoking results in 15,000 deaths each year in Michigan, and exposure to secondhand smoke results in approximately 2,500 deaths each year, resulting in over 17,000 deaths in Michigan each year caused by smoking.
"There is no such thing as a nonsmoking section in a restaurant that allows smoking," Corriveau said. "There is no way to limit smoke to one part of a room. As a parent, I want to be able to go out with my family without having to worry that my kids are breathing in secondhand smoke. Today we took a giant step toward making Michigan a healthier and safer state for our kids and our workers. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take quick action to approve this plan."