Workplace Smoking Exemption for Bars

“Snuffed Out” (Sept. 1) barely acknowledges the fact that bars have marketed to the current (smoking) clientele. This clientele has reinforced itself, until now the contrast between bars and other places is so extreme that many nonsmokers do not visit bars.

As someone with severe allergies to smoke, and good friends who play lots of club gigs, I am looking forward to Jan. 1 to see some of them play in person for the first time. Bar owners, start looking at the growing market of those who either must or prefer to breathe clean air. Demographic trends imply that more and more of your potential customers are in this category.

JOAN HORVATH

Pasadena

* As the Legislature considers whether to again extend the exemption for bars in California’s landmark workplace smoking ban, The Times ought to offer a balanced view of the law. “Snuffed Out” correctly points out that bar owners and many of their customers favor the status quo that permits smoking in bars. There is another point of view, however, that deserves mention.

The tobacco-industry-supported exemption pending in Sacramento not only would allow smoking in stand-alone bars and taverns, but also in restaurant bar sections. Do restaurant patrons and workers agree with the tobacco and bar lobbies? Polls show the public wants completely smoke-free restaurants and the State Federation of Labor opposes the exemption bill.

The reason Americans fear exposure to secondhand smoke is not because it is annoying. Rather, it is because, according to every authoritative study, secondhand smoke kills nonsmokers. Employees exposed in the workplace are particularly at risk. Even patrons seated in adjacent nonsmoking eating sections inhale the same carcinogenic air.

At a time when the tobacco industry is on the run in Congress and the courts, it would be of considerable national interest if it were to prevail on this workplace smoking fight in California.

TERRY B. FRIEDMAN

Los Angeles

Former Assemblyman Friedman authored the workplace smoking ban legislation.

* I haven’t smoked in over 20 years, but I will defend the right to smoke in barrooms. We are fast losing our freedom. Our government is taking more control of our lives. Our Founding Fathers must be spinning in their graves.

Once more we must hang the lantern from the Old North Church and meet at the bridge in Concord.

FREDERICK D. MULLEN

Upland