The dawn of a new year seems a good time to reflect on information recently released by the Mayo Clinic about the effects of smoke-free workplace laws. The debate about the pros and cons of smoking bans began in Duluth about 12 years ago. About the same time, a smoking ban was being considered in Olmsted County, Minn., which includes Rochester. The Duluth City Council passed a partial smoking ban in 2000 while Olmsted County passed a ban on smoking in restaurants in 2002. Finally, in 2007, Minnesota enacted a statewide law that expanded the Clean Indoor Air Act to ensure smoke-free air in workplaces, including in bars and restaurants.
Duluth News Tribune, by Dr. Terrence Clark, 1/5/2012