RI Workplace Goes Smoke-Free

Publication Date: 2005-02-25

• Author:Barbara Morse Silva
• Publication:NBC10

Rhode Island will be clearing the air in less than a week. The new smoke-free workplace law goes into effect March 1. But will this have an effect on people and local businesses?

"Well, I got sick, I came down with bronchitis two years after I had it and when I went to see the doctor he said, 'How many packs do you smoke a day?' And I was sort of in shock," said Curtis Mombelly, who owns The Heritage Tap, a small neighborhood bar and grill in Pawtucket.

Curtis was in shock because he has never smoked a day in his life. Three years ago, his bar and grill went smoke-free. He was warned his business might suffer. Instead, it has grown by a third...

But the vast majority of smokers News Channel 10 talked to said they like the new law.