Still imperfect no-smoking law
Monday January 19, 2009
At the same time the state is running television commercials congratulating itself on the first anniversary of its no-smoking law, legislators were fixing the law to toughen enforcement. It wouldn't be surprising if more fixes were to come.
Right from the start there were problems with Illinois' ground-breaking no-smoking law. For one thing there was not uniform enforcement. The American Lung Association of Illinois said several counties – Will, Lake, Cook and Sangamon among them – did a good job of enforcing the law. But the record was spotty in other counties, especially downstate, where there was a more laissez-faire approach. With enough public complaints the law would be enforced; otherwise authorities might look the other way.
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Comments
Boy, that's just what the State of Illinois needs, another bureaucracy. Can't wait to see how much we're going to pay these guys. With the state four billion dollars in debt, I hope we caught enough smokers to satisfy our obligations. Someday, maybe we'll be lucky enough to elect some honest people who will concentrate their efforts on getting us out of debt and creating a business friendly environment. Guess that's too much to ask.
Posted by on January 19, 2009 at 8:13 AM Suggest Removal
It is extremely disappointing that one of the first things our new Legislature has done was to weaken the greatest boon to public health it enacted last year. Instead of strengthening the enforcement options, the legislature has made it easier for people and businesses to ignore the law, endangering the health and well-being of their employees and customers. This is not an attack on business, it is a matter of public health. Again, the powers-that-be seem to be putting money ahead of public health issues.
Posted by riweber on January 23, 2009 at 6:11 PM Suggest Removal
