Just because 65 percent of the voters approved the smoke-free policy for St. Louis County, and its passing meant St. Louis City would follow suit, doesn’t mean youth should not stop advocating for the rights of non-smokers.  Beginning in January 2011, smoking will be prohibited in all indoor places except casino floors and restaurants. While the passed measure and triggered St. Louis City ordinances mean progress in the fight against tobacco, they do not protect the restaurant or casino worker. Each is more likely to be harmed by second hand smoke. Research supports clean air policies without exemptions are the surest way to safeguard the rights of the non-smoking worker. See the website below.

“Smoke-free workplace policies are the only effective way to eliminate secondhand smoke.” 2006 Surgeon General’s Report, The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Secondhand Smoke.” http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/secondhandsmoke/