After long fight for smoking law, air finally clears

Publication Date: 2005-02-27

• Author:M. Charles Bakst
• Publication:Providence (RI) Journal-Bulletin

The sweeping new Rhode Island law that, beginning Tuesday, will ban smoking in restaurants, bars, and virtually every other public place has taken decades to arrive.

Rhode Island becomes the 7th so-called smoke-free state. I wish it had been the first. Still, for many people, the law represents a proud achievement. . . .

But most of all I'll remember this. Once, in regard to Elizabeth Dennigan's smoking-ban efforts, I brushed off the old adage that one person plus the truth could make a majority.

The truth finally did prevail, and on Tuesday Rhode Islanders will breathe easier for it.