Brief Description: Prohibiting smoking in public places.

Sponsors: Representatives McDermott, Schual-Berke, Cody, Darneille, Quall, Kagi, Hunt, Chase, Veloria, McIntire and Tom.

Hearing Date: 2/27/03

Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).

Background:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 45.6 million Americans smoke. Tobacco use has been linked to over 440,000 premature deaths annually. California and Delaware have statewide prohibitions on smoking in public places.

The Washington Clean Indoor Air Act prohibits smoking in public places, except for certain facilities that may designate smoking areas. The term "public place" applies to buildings or vehicles that are used by and open to the public. Where the owner or lessee designates a smoking area within a public place, appropriate barriers and ventilation systems must be used to minimize smoke entering non-smoking areas. Bars, taverns, bowling alleys, tobacco shops, or restaurants may be designated smoking areas in their entirety.

Summary of Bill:

Owners or lessees of facilities that have areas that qualify as a public place may no longer designate a part of the facility as a smoking area. All references to designated smoking areas are removed. Owners or lessees of bars, taverns, bowling alleys, tobacco shops, or restaurants may no longer designate the entire facility as a smoking area. The exemption from the smoking prohibition that applies to private enclosed workplaces within a public place is removed.

Maximum civil penalties for violations of smoking prohibitions by owners of covered facilities are raised to $500.

Cities, towns, and counties may adopt more stringent ordinances to restrict smoking in public places.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.