No ‘butts’ about it

Kudos to Rep. Justo Quitugua for sponsoring House Bill 16-47, or the Smoke Free Air Act of 2008. You have done the right thing and I thank you for thinking about the CNMI’s health and welfare first and foremost, most especially our children, who are often subjected to secondhand smoke.

The CNMI Senate is debating this bill right now, as expected. Here’s what Sen. Crisostimo had to say: “Outlawing smoking will hurt the CNMI. I cannot understand why you would go to a club and not be able to smoke. Banning this will not just hurt the CNMI in the long run. We really cannot afford this. I am not a smoker but I don’t mind having a smoking area.”

Forgive me, senator, but do you honestly believe tourists will decide not to go to Saipan because we don’t allow smoking in restaurants? Have you been to Tony Roma’s lately? It is often packed with Japanese tourists. And when the Japanese tourists want to smoke, they simply go outside and smoke. I recommend you speak to the management of Tony Roma’s and ask them if their business has suffered because of their smoking ban. Their answer will surprise you!

Senator, with all due respect, I recommend you take a walk with me down the Paseo de Scaryanas and its side streets. Perhaps then will you begin to understand the real culprits of why tourists aren’t returning to our islands. Overflowing trash cans, trash scattered around the streets, weeds and tangan tangan growing taller than the trees, makeshift dumping grounds, abandoned or dilapidated buildings, and prostitutes accosting tourists at night might have more of a negative impact on tourism than banning smoking in restaurants, wouldn’t you agree?

Senator, do you know how much money is spent on treating tobacco-related diseases and illnesses every single year in the CNMI? Did you know that even non-smokers are affected by secondhand smoke? Do you honestly believe that non-smoking sections in restaurants do not still smell and inhale secondhand smoke?

Here are some things to consider, since you talk about how HB 16-47 will hurt tourism:

* In New York: Since the implementation of a smoking ban in New York City in March 2003, several studies have shown no negative economic impact. The 2004 Zagat New York City Restaurant Survey of nearly 30,000 restaurant patrons showed that 23 percent were eating out more often because of the smoking bylaw. A one-year review of business tax receipts from bars and restaurants done by the City showed an increase of 8.7 per cent over 2003, and an employment increase of 2,800 during this period.

* In California: After introducing a smoking ban in restaurants (1995) and bars (1998), tax revenue data found that revenues from both restaurants and bars increased after the legislation was put in place.

* In Ottawa: A 2003 report indicated no negative impact on Ottawa restaurants and bars, after the city implemented a 100 percent smoke-free workplace and public places by law, with no designated smoking rooms in 2001.

No “butts” about it: A 2005 review of Canadian, U.S., and other international jurisdictions by Health Canada confirms that “evidence from the best quality studies consistently demonstrates that smoke-free legislation does not have a negative impact on the sales, revenues, profits and employment of restaurants, bars, hotels, and gaming facilities over the long term. The evidence presented here indicates that smoke-free legislation does not adversely affect the hospitality industry.”

Senate President Pete P. Reyes, R-Saipan, said the health dangers associated with smoking are probably far more dangerous than economic concerns. He is absolutely right, and I thank him for stating that.

HB 16-47 is not banning smoking on our islands. It is simply stating where you can and cannot smoke. Let’s remember that non-smokers have rights too, most especially children who suck in secondhand smoke every single time they go to restaurants and public areas that allow smoking.

I remember back in 1990, when I worked as a teller in a bank, it was not only customers who were allowed to smoke, but so were the tellers. I want you to imagine going in to a bank today and having a teller blowing smoke in your face while handing you your money. Wouldn’t you be shocked? That’s a sign of how times are a changin’ and some of the progress we have made over the years. While we have made progress, there is still room for improvement.

HB 16-47 is a good bill, and whether you are a smoker or a non-smoker, you should wholeheartedly support it. The health and the welfare of our community should come first. Let’s not forget that Japan has enacted strict anti-smoking laws too, and so has most progressive countries around the world. What is stopping the CNMI from joining the world community and doing something that benefits the health of our people?

If you haven’t already, I urge you to call or write your representatives and senators and urge them to support the Smoke Free Air Act of 2008. It is a good law and one that is long overdue.
[B] Ed Propst[/B] [I]Dandan, Saipan[/I]