Smoking Ban Gaining In D.C.

Publication Date: 2005-06-15

• Author:Eric M. Weiss
• Publication: The Washington Post

Bills Would Cover Restaurants, Bars

D.C. Mayor Anthony A. Williams and a majority of the D.C. Council now support a comprehensive smoking ban in District bars and restaurants, meaning the District could go smoke-free by the end of the year...

The council is considering three bills that would require that all District workplaces, including bars and restaurants, be smoke-free.

"The handwriting is on the wall," said council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1), who announced support for the ban last week, rebuffing a strong anti-ban lobbying effort by some Ward 1 restaurants and bars, many of them in Adams Morgan and along U Street NW. Graham said the issue was first and foremost about public health.

Opponents said a smoking ban would be another step -- joining rules on the use of seat belts, motorcycle helmets and cell phones -- on the path toward government-as-nanny.

More than 130 witnesses signed up to testify during yesterday's hearing, including bar owners, restaurant managers, bartenders, waiters and customers.