Forum: Don't weaken Illinois' anti-smoking measures

Publication Date: 2012-03-11

• Author:Ann Wheet, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
• Publication:pjstar.com

It's a new year and here we go again: The Smoke-free Illinois Act is under attack despite its lifesaving results.

There is no disputing that smoking is bad for the smoker and those exposed to secondhand smoke. The U.S. Surgeon General has stated unequivocally that secondhand smoke kills. Yet House Bill 1310, sponsored by state Rep. Anthony DeLuca, is before the Illinois House of Representatives. The measure would allow businesses to buy smoking licenses from local liquor control commissioners. This measure, which is identical to House Bill 4012, also recently introduced, would dismantle much of the smoke-free law that has had a profound impact on the health and well-being of Illinois workers and business patrons statewide...