Tobacco News

“Smoke up,” invited Top Hat Lounge owner Andy Lenz, cigar in hand, as she passed out cigars to patrons entering the bar Tuesday, and the clock ticked off the last few hours for a longstanding fixture on South Dakota bar stools – the smoker.
South Dakota’s expanded smoking ban took effect at 12:01 a.m. today, making it illegal to smoke in bars, restaurants and casinos. To commemorate the last night of ashtrays on tables, some area bars were organizing parties encouraging their customers to let the smoke roll. Ream more »

The new Dutch government has opted to partially reverse the smoking ban imposed on bars and cafes more than two years ago
It said it will amend the law to allow smokers to light up again in small owner-operated bars which are less than 70 sq.m in size and which have no other staff. The ban will remain in force for larger establishments. Ream more »

An Ontario Tory MPP introduced a private member’s bill in Queens Park in Toronto Wednesday that would make it illegal for anyone under the age of 19 to smoke cigarettes.
Under existing laws, it’s illegal to sell cigarette to children and teens, but strictly speaking, it’s not against the law for youths to smoke or possess them.

Cambridge Conservative Gerry Martiniuk introduced a private member’s bill in the legislature that will ban teens from possessing, consuming or attempting to purchase tobacco.
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The first reading of an ordinance banning smoking in all city parks and open space areas drew unanimous approval from the City Council Tuesday evening. However, Seventh District Councilman James Johnson expressed concern regarding noticing the public through signage about the ban once it is enacted.
The amendment to Chapter 8.68 of the Long Beach Municipal Code initially was proposed on July 6 — but at that point, City Council’s discussion centered around banning smoking in “small parks,” or parks 1 acre or less in size. Ream more »

Smoking is to be banned in all bars and restaurants in Spain after parliament on Wednesday voted unanimously in favor of a new anti-smoking bill. Smoking would be forbidden in all public places, with the exception of prisons and psychiatric institutes, where smoking rooms would be set aside. Ream more »

The Denver City Council decided a smoking ban in public right-of-ways surrounding hospitals will stand, despite sharp criticism from neighbors and challenges with enforcement.
Two years ago, Denver became one of the first cities in the country to prohibit smoking on sidewalks, alleys and lawns surrounding hospitals.
“You had to walk through a cloud of smoke to get to the entrance,” said Carol Boigon, the councilwoman behind the ordinance. Ream more »

Smoking in public places in Laramie County will be allowed to continue for now.
The Cheyenne-Laramie County Board of Health has decided not to pursue a countywide smoking ban in public places. The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reported Monday that board members, who are appointed, aren’t sure they have the authority to enact a ban.
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Up to half a million people die from smoking-related causes a year in Russia, whose population the United Nations says could shrink to 116 million by 2050 from 142 million now. Along with smoking, alcoholism, AIDS, pollution and poverty are among the factors leading to early deaths and discouraging births in Russia.
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin approved the anti-smoking program on September 23, his press service said, which aims to cut the number of adult smokers by a quarter between 2010 and 2015, and reduce smoking-related diseases and deaths. Ream more »

It seems that at least one company in Korea will be completely smoke-free next year Samsung Electronics.
On Thursday, the corporation announced its plans to eliminate all smoking areas by the end of this year.
And this applies nationwide to all of its plants and offices. Ream more »

Governor Chet Culver has already made strides when it comes to slowing the amount of smoking that takes place indoors in Iowa. If re-elected, Culver claims that he wants to eliminate the loophole that was created for casinos in the state.
In 2008, Culver signed the Smoke-free Air Act. One of the stipulations of the law, however, was that state casinos can continue to allow smoking on their gambling floors. Ream more »