Let cities kick the habit
State law prevents towns, counties from passing tough anti-smoking ordinances
Editorial, published The Tennessean, January 4, 2006

Six more states joined the anti-smoking bandwagon last year, and a lot of Tennesseans would like to join them.

The number of states that passed significant laws restricting the use of tobacco was higher in 2005 than any previous year. The increase reflects growing public demand for tougher anti-smoking laws. Twenty years ago, there were only 200 state and local laws against smoking; today, more than 2,000 states and local communities have some sort of ban.

But Tennessee localities aren't among those putting out the cigarettes. The Tennessee General Assembly has given only a little lip service in recent years by banning smoking in the legislature's public places.

What's particularly irritating, however, is the legislature's disregard for local authority. More than a decade ago, the legislature passed legislation that prevents city and county governments from enacting their own tobacco restrictions.

Nashville and every other Tennessee city ought to have the right to impose the same kind of restrictions that Chicago, Minneapolis, Birmingham, Louisville and Indianapolis passed last year. At least 159 cities passed some kind of anti-smoking laws. In Washington, D.C., the council approved a wide-ranging anti-smoking law for businesses and workplaces.

States have also snuffed out smoking. Georgia passed a law banning smoking in all places without special ventilation and in places where people under 18 are served or work. Washington state passed the toughest of all with a ban on smoking in public facilities, workplaces and outside within 25 feet of doors, windows and vents.

It's unlikely that Tennessee lawmakers would pass a strong statewide anti-smoking law since they've been so reluctant to take any steps. But given the growing sentiment, why not let local governments do what they won't? Kick a bad habit.

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