Tobacco Documents Online

THE REPORTER DISPATCH White Pfains, N.Y., Saturday, May 17,1918 Co~icern expressed over ~stehester smoking code„ By BRYNA BRENNAN Staft Writer The Westchester County Board of Health's proposed antismoking code, which arose out of increasing concern for the rights of non-smokers, now has stirred up strong sentiment from those on the other side of the issue. , Initially, non-smokers attended board meetings, and sent letters and petitions to the board protesting smoking in public places. The board responded by drafting a code prohibiting smoking in public plaeesexcept in designated areas. But now, other residents, smokers and non-smokers alike, are claiming that the code has far-reaching impli- cations. ' County Executive Alfred nelbello recently said that he appreciates the concern over smoking in public areas but that he also is concerned about the impact that `b<<erregulation" might have on the county's business community. He said that he would tend to favor volun- tary rather than mandatory controls. Members of the Westchester County branch of the New York State Restaurant Association are claiming that the proposed code is discriminatory and will cause them economic hardship. - The White Piains Regional Chamber of Commerce said that'such a code would constitute an infringement of individuaj'rights, add to already high costs of struggling businesses, and hinder the efforts to improve the busi- ness climate in Westchester. Board members are divided in opinions about the code. While Dr. James Jones, the board's president, con- tends that the code will have a positive Irnpact, Dr. John A. Ramsdell has expressed concern "about putting regu- lations out that we can't enforce." !tfary Benjamin and Dr. E. Franklin Hall, acting commissioner of health, agree that the restaurateurs have valid objections. Mrs. Benja*nin suggests that proper ventilation in, restaurants be explored as as alternative to the proposed barriers or segregated areas. Many of those who have appeared at the board's hear- ings have agreed that the code is virtually unenforcea- bie. At last month's board meeting; Dan Berry, fire marshall of Greenburgh, said that although he will put up "no smoking" signs on request, "it's really a bluff be- cause we don't have thee power to enforce it."' Dr. Hall said that non-smokers and the public in gen- eral will be called on to enforce the code. Non-smokers, who sent approximately 400 letters to the board in the last several months, say that they are tired of smoke-filled air, teary eyes and coughing. Although Dr. Hall said that the code is being enacted because smoking is a public nuisance rather than a health hazard„he readily admits that smoke can be haz- ardous to persons with bronchitis, emphysema or aller- il gies. ' The Tobacco Institute and the American Cancer So- eiety state that cigaret smoke is not attributabl'e to dis- ease in non-smokers. The firstdraft!of the anti.smoking code was presented at, the board's April meeting. It was mbd4lNd after the Rockland County Clean Indoor Air code, but was less stringent. . A second draft with weaker prohibitions was sub- mitted at last Thursday's board meeting. And indica- tions are that the code will continue to louse strength. The second draft changes the ban on smoking in of- fices that employ 10 or more persons to one which in- cludes only those offices that serve the general public. It exempts all private offices. Restaurants are still in- cluded, but strong lobbying and the statements of sev- eral board members suggest that they may be exempted as well. In Its present form, the code would prohibit smoking In restaurants, retail stores, public conveyances, educa- tional, facilities, generaf hospitals, nursing homes, audi- toriums, theaters, libraries, museums, arenas, mevtinb rooms, rest rooms and elevators. 03595221

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