Talk about going cold turkey.
As of today, smokers can no longer light up in any indoor public place in Washington. Voters saw to that last month when, by a 2-to-1 margin, they approved Initiative 901. Lighting up in a bar, one of the last public bastions for smokers, is now illegal. Designated smoking areas must be outdoors and at least 25 feet from doorways, windows that open and ventilation systems. Violators, including business owners who don’t enforce the ban, are subject to a $100 fine.
Some smokers are angry over having even more restrictions placed on their habit, and that’s understandable. They feel their freedom to choose has been infringed. Many non-smokers respond by saying they have a right to breathe clean air, even in their neighborhood tavern.
This is a change that needs to be largely self-policed. I-901 didn’t include funding for enforcement. The experience of other states, though, indicates that it will be go into effect without a lot of problems. The vast majority of smokers will adjust gracefully, and some will no doubt conclude it’s time to try kicking the habit. Most non-smokers will be patient and discreet when they spot a violation.
But change is hard, and a few might not go along willingly. Self-righteous, overbearing actions on either side of the smoking divide won’t help anyone. Defiance of the new law by smokers won’t get the law changed, and pickiness by non-smokers over minor violations won’t be constructive, either. A cultural shift is being launched overnight, and time is needed for a new smoke-free culture to take hold. A little patience will go a long way toward defusing potential arguments and confrontations. Gentle but firm enforcement of the new law by business owners will help, too.
Police, who have quite enough to do already, shouldn’t be forced to spend big chunks of time responding to calls about someone blowing smoke within 25 feet of a restaurant doorway. Surely, such issues can be handled by reasonable adults without a 911 call.
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