Fla. to Vote on Work Site Smoke Ban

A proposal to ban smoking at most indoor workplaces in Florida, including restaurants, has won a spot on the state’s November ballot.

State law now limits smoking in public places to designated smoking areas. Public places include government buildings, stores, restaurants, theaters and workplaces.

But the coalition sponsoring the proposed constitutional amendment, Smoke-Free for Health, argues that restricting smoking to one area doesn’t work.

Its proposal would outlaw smoking in restaurants, except for outdoor seating areas, and in all enclosed workplaces, including employee break rooms.

Exceptions would be made for stand-alone bars, designated guest rooms in hotels, and home businesses that don’t provide child care.

The coalition conducted a petition drive to get the measure on the ballot, and the state Division of Elections said it had verified 492,150 signatures, a few thousand more than required.

The measure is backed by the American Cancer Society, American Heart Assn., American Lung Assn., AARP of Florida and the Center for Florida’s Children.

The Environmental Protection Agency designated secondhand smoke as a carcinogen in 1993 and estimates that 3,000 American nonsmokers die each year from lung cancer caused by secondhand smoke.

California has had a total smoking ban since 1998, even in bars.