Smoke Free City News

January, 2003: Following passage of near total smoking bans in New York City and Boston, Allegheny County Health Department officials considers enacting a similar ban in Allegheny County, but discovers they are preempted by state law.  This is an example of the way such local regulations tend to spread, and of why the tobacco industry puts such a high priority on state preemption.  Support the repeal of preemption!

February, 2003: Allentown considers banning smoking in almost all public places, knowing the ban would be challenged on grounds of preemption.

March, 2003: New York State passes a ban on workplace smoking even stricter than the one passed in New York City. 

April, 2003: A study concludes that a workplace smoking ban in Helena, MT resulted in a 60% reduction in hospital admissions for heart attacks during the time it was in effect.