State did the right thing with smoking ban

Publication Date: 2009-09-28

• Author:Editorial
• Publication:Green Bay (WI) Press-Gazette

New reviews of recent studies conclude that heart attack rates have fallen 17 percent in communities and states after smoking bans were enacted. It's just further evidence that Wisconsin did the right thing in passing the ban that takes effect next summer...

Smoking ban opponents argue that business owners should have the choice regarding what happens on their private property. But this is not the first law ever passed to regulate public health in those businesses. Making it illegal to poison the air is certainly an appropriate government action.

Next July 1, Wisconsin joins 31 other states that forbid smoking in the workplace, including restaurants and taverns. It's about time.