Feb. 1 will mark the fifth anniversary of the day Maryland’s Clean Indoor Law went into effect, banning the smoking of tobacco products inside the state’s restaurants, bars and other public places.
Similar laws have been enacted in other states and — as has been the case in Maryland — predictions that the law would bring economic hardship to businesses have proved unfounded.
Smoking remains a part of American culture, and it is common to see smokers outside these places in areas that have been designated for the purpose.
Owners of some businesses who feared they would lose customers with the advent of the no-smoking law have said their customer base actually expanded.
Restaurateurs in particular say the prospect of cleaner air has brought in more people, and they no longer hesitate to bring their children. It has especially been a boon to those who have breathing difficulties.
The effort to ban indoor smoking in Maryland’s public places took more than 30 years to succeed and was opposed by considerable lobbying, particularly from the tobacco industry.
It was initiated by various individuals and organizations, including the Maryland Group Against Smoker’s Pollution (MDGASP, one of the most appropriate acronyms we have run across).
Marylanders, like other American citizens, are still allowed to smoke, providing they are of age and do it in places where it is allowed.
Some people would like to ban smoking altogether, but that probably would be met by results similar to what happened after passage of Prohibition, the 18th Amendment that enacted a nationwide ban on alcohol: increased demand for booze and growth of the organized crime that sprang up to meet that demand. Best to educate people against the practice, starting when they are young. It’s a deadly habit.
Maryland’s Clean Indoor Air Law is one example of a law that was passed with good intentions and — despite warnings to the contrary — accomplished precisely what was intended.
Opinion
Related Photos
-
Fresh air
Fresh air
Maryland’s Clean Indoor Air Law is one that works
- Opinion
-
-
High priority
Maryland school officials on Tuesday put an exclamation point on the need to take student-athlete concussions more seriously.
-
Why are there no answers to these questions?
We currently have the most corrupt administration in the history of the country. Every day more and more lies come from the Obama administration.
-
Roaming dogs prove menace to some residents of LaVale
I am writing to inform your readers and the animal control staff of Allegany about a problem that is dragging on and unresolved, yet.
-
These types should look to the Boy Scouts for an example
Consider these headlines:
NRA will “Never Surrender.”
The Tea Party will “Never Surrender.”
The No Tax Group will “Never surrender.”
Neocons will “Never Surrender.”
Far Left Liberals will “Never Surrender.” -
Housing project will have bad effect on property in this area
I am writing to you to voice my opposition to a low income housing project that has been proposed for construction on a tract of land on Pine Swamp Road in Mineral County, W.Va. I am a registered voter and resident of Mineral County and live in the New Creek/Pine Swamp area.
-
Why have the media been silent all this time?
When I read the Cumberland Times-News Editorial this morning, Friday, May 17, entitled, “Outrageous,” I laughed like a kid at a birthday party!
-
What are chances this much money will be spent on road?
I was intrigued by cost data summarized in reporter Kathy Mellott’s recent article, “Completing southern link of U.S. Route 219 said to be best use of highway funds,” which appeared in the Cumberland Times-News on Tuesday May 14 (Page 1A).
-
School board should be doing better job with less money
The Allegany County Teachers Association (ACTA) board of directors recently submitted a letter to the editor asking the Allegany County commissioners to fully fund the Board of Education’s budget request for the upcoming fiscal year (“Commissioners should fund school board request,” April 29 Times-News).
-
Better ‘Click It’
If you notice more police on the highway this week, it’s for a couple of reasons.
-
Were they really good old days? You decide
When a fellow gets old, it’s not unusual for his mind to wander back to the days of his youth. He may forget where he laid his glasses five minutes ago, yet he can remember events that took place a half a century ago. This is one of the interesting things of old age.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
