Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, July 22, 1994 TAG: 9407220126
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: SAN FRANCISCO LENGTH: Short
The new law will take effect Jan. 1 unless voters approve the industry-backed measure on the November ballot, which would substitute looser statewide standards.
Wilson said the new law will have the effect of ``freeing California's workers from the toxic pollution of second-hand smoke'' while lowering employers' costs for health care and insurance.
The law bans smoking in most indoor workplaces and allows local governments to enforce even stricter anti-smoking ordinances.
Smoking still will be allowed in private homes when they're not used as day-care centers, in up to 65 percent of hotel and motel rooms, in employee break rooms that meet ventilation requirements and in certain other areas.
Violations could result in a $100 fine for a first offense and larger fines thereafter.
``This is an historic achievement,'' said the bill's sponsor, Assemblyman Terry Friedman. ``It's the strongest statewide anti-smoking law in America. Two years ago when I introduced [the bill] no one thought it had a chance to become law.
``This is a case where David slayed the tobacco Goliath.''
He said the measure is the first passed by any state Legislature to prohibit smoking in ``virtually every enclosed workplace.''
by CNB