Smoking signals

Publication Date: 2006-06-12

• Author:Tom Rafferty
• Publication:Bismarck (ND) Tribune

Soon after the 2005 Legislature passed a bill that bans smoking in many public places - bars being one exception - the Public Education Task Force on Tobacco began airing TV and radio ads describing bars as dangerous places where people are exposed to airborne chemicals.

The ads, which end with, "Smoke-free workplaces are a good idea everywhere, even bars," have angered bar owners to the point that they formed the Coin and Tavern Association to specifically fight any attempt to ban smoking in bars.

Rep. Dwight Wrangham, R-Bismarck, is the current executive director of the new association.

Although no one has said there will be a bill to ban smoking in bars in 2007, Wrangham said it is very likely that one will be introduced.

"We are going to prepare for any challenges brought in the 2007 Legislature,"Wrangham said. . . .

The task force is funded 100 percent by money given to them by all of the 38 local district health units in the state. Kaltenberg said the health units don't have to give the task force money, but they all do.