The State of California is introducing some of the toughest laws in the United States with the aim of protecting bar and restaurant staff from the effects of passive smoking.

Until now, many establishments have allowed nicotine lovers to puff away in designated smoking areas. But from New Year's Day anyone caught lighting up anywhere on the premises will face a fine of at least $100.

Some smokers are condemning the new regulations as a draconian infringement of their civil liberties. But former California local councillor, Terry Friedman, said the ban was: "One of the most important public health efforts that could be made to save lives."

The state says establishments which already ban smoking have not noticeably lost trade

He said it was wrong that bar staff should have to choose between working in a hazardous smoke-filled atmosphere and not having a job.

A similar view is expressed in the TV advertising campaign publicising the new law. In one commercial a waitress in a bar says: "Eight hours in here is like smoking almost a pack. More of us die of lung cancer and heart disease than in any other women's job."

Smokers have hit back, claiming bars and restaurants will lose financially as people will choose to stay home where they can smoke without fear of arrest. But the state government says its research shows that those places which have already banned smoking have only suffered a negligible drop in profits.

Bar manager Kristin Schiffer: feels that the right to smoke is as American as apple pie

However, the issue goes beyond mere economics for Kristin Schiffer, the manager of Dublin's Bar in Los Angeles, who estimates that 80% of her customers are regular smokers.

"If you force people not to be able to smoke in a public venue where it's most enjoyed - it's not right and to me it's not American. You should be free to do what you want," she said.
 

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