American Cancer Society and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Reaction to Smoke-free Ballot Measure Ruling

5/21/2004

From: Unice Lieberman of the American Cancer Society, 202-661-5711; Unice.Lieberman@cancer.org or Michael Berman of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, 202-296-6469; mberman@TobaccoFreeKids.org

WASHINGTON, May 21 -- Following is a statement by the American Cancer Society and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids on the D.C. Smoke-free Ballot measure ruling:

"We are disappointed that the Superior Court of the District of Columbia ruled not to allow a measure onto the November ballot to prohibit smoking in all workplaces including bars and restaurants. The Court denied the residents of the District of Columbia the right to vote for a smoke-free workplaces ballot measure that would protect the right to breathe clean air for all citizens, workers, and visitors in our nation's capital. We intend to appeal the ruling.

"Everyone deserves to be protected from the dangers of secondhand smoke because it causes an estimated 3,000 lung cancer deaths and 35,000 heart disease deaths annually among adult nonsmokers in the United States.

"It is a shame that the nation's capital has yet to join the growing ranks of smoke-free cities and states across the country, including California, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Boston and even Lexington, Kentucky, the second largest tobacco producer in the country. The court ruling will in no way deter us from continuing to fight for the health of all workers and residents who work and live in the District."

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is building a healthier future for our children by changing public attitudes and public policies regarding tobacco use. The Campaign strives to prevent kids from smoking, help smokers quit and protect everyone from secondhand smoke. For more information, visit the Campaign's web site at http://www.tobaccofreekids.org

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 14 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1- 800-ACS-2345 or visit http://www.cancer.org