The Tobacco-Free Coalition of Delaware County is holding a town hall meeting tonight to rally support for an ordinance that Cecilia Williams, TFCDC program coordinator, says could ban smoking indoors in bars, restaurants and workplaces.
"We're hoping that those who attend the meeting will learn the importance of clean-air policies in the workplace," Williams said. "Economically there are more benefits than drawbacks."
Williams said three-fourths of white-collar workers are protected by such policies but that similar laws only protect 43 percent of food service workers.
Freshman health science major Dale Rich said he stopped going to IHOP when the restaurant went smoke-free and removed their smoking section.
"I think it's a form of discrimination, I think if you want to smoke that's your own personal choice, especially in restaurants and bars," Rich said.
TFCDC has been working for the past 10 years to support similar tobacco-related regulations in Delaware County.
In 2006, the coalition helped pass a county ordinance that banned smoking in public places, including shopping malls and bowling alleys. According to the ordinance, bars and hotel rooms designated as smoking rooms are not required to follow the ordinance.
"A lot of people don't realize that we don't have a comprehensive smoking ordinance in Delaware County," Williams said.
Williams said she encourages anyone who is concerned about indoor air quality in Delaware County to attend the meeting at 7 p.m. at the Kennedy Library Community Room.
More information about the TFCDC can be found at tobaccofreedelawarecounty.org.
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