Statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Government Relations Director Doug Hogan
FRANKFORT, KY – “Today, the Senate State and Local Government Committee voted out House Bill 211, which would prevent local governments from prohibiting smoking in some cigar bars. This legislation would roll back current local laws that require all bars to be smoke-free and prevent future local ordinances from including certain bars.
“The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) calls on the Senate to oppose House Bill 211. Local policymakers in 44 communities have enacted effective smoke-free laws. Yet, HB 211 would prevent local leaders from being able to fully enforce their existing laws or pass new ordinances to prevent indoor smoking in all bars. Decisions made locally about smoke-free law should be supported.
“There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Cigar smoke contains the same toxic compounds and chemicals that can cause cancer that are found in cigarette smoke.
“Normalizing smoking in our communities sends the wrong message to our young people and provides tobacco companies with another opportunity to market their addictive and deadly products aggressively.
“Everyone has the right to breathe clean, smoke-free air. Kentucky can and must do better to protect our local communities' health and safety.”