North Dakota takes steps to clean air

Publication Date: 2005-07-09

• Author:June Herman, letter
• Publication:The Forum

North Dakota is taking steps towards better health with a clean indoor air law that will take effect on Aug. 1. The downside is that some restaurants will use a loophole in the law by enclosing the bar area so that smoking can continue.

Customers and employees should read the writing on the wall: If a business owner builds a wall to allow smoking in the bar area, they are sending a clear message. They have no concern for the health of their customers or employees. Dangerous toxins will seep into the "clean" part of the establishment and the staff who serve customers in the bar will continue to be exposed to secondhand smoke.