Letter: Smoking regulation not federal issue

Publication Date: 2005-02-01

• Author:Jim McVay
• Publication:Montgomery (AL) Advertiser

There has been considerable discussion in the newspaper about the new smoking ordinance in Montgomery. The discussion has centered on both the health and financial cost and who should, if any government entity, determine the regulations...

Alabama's Clean Indoor Air Act prohibits smoking in most enclosed public places and leaves the regulation of restaurants to local governments.

Our state and local governments regulate restaurants with building construction and fire codes along with inspections for compliance to sanitation regulations for the public's health and safety. In my view, city leaders have a duty to protect the restaurant employees and patrons of Montgomery by regulating air quality, too.