Statewide smoking ban is a public health priority

Publication Date: 2005-03-17

• Author:Brian Rank, Chair of the Cancer Plan Minnesota Steering Committee
• Publication:Saint Paul (MN) Pioneer Press

Our first statewide grass-roots comprehensive cancer control plan, Cancer Plan Minnesota, will soon be published. The plan aims to decrease the burden cancer places on Minnesotans. Banning smoking in bars and restaurants is so important, it is one of the top priorities in its first year.

Medical evidence strongly supports smoke-free laws and so do a majority of Minnesotans. Behind the studies and statistics are the victims and future victims of smoke and secondhand smoke. They are our friends, neighbors and relatives. They deserve better public policy from our legislators.