Smoking ban a month from implementation

Publication Date: 2007-08-30

• Author:Bob Williams
• Publication:Fergus Falls Daily Journal, MN

On Oct. 1, a statewide smoking ban goes into effect as part of new provisions to the MCIAA signed into law by Gov. Tim Pawlenty May 16.

The Freedom to Breathe Act provisions are designed to protect employees and the public from the health hazards of secondhand smoke. The Minnesota Department of Health together with local public health departments are working with communities and businesses to successfully become smoke-free.

“What we want people to know is the Freedom to Breathe Act is a long time coming.” Otter Tail County Public Health Director Diane Thorson said. “Minnesota went from being a leader in the nation in 1975 to fall to the twentieth state to finally pass a comprehensive Clean Indoor Air Act.”