MA: Health Boars Unite to Effect a Regional Ban on Smoking
Source: Boston (MA) Globe
Date: Thursday, September 13, 2001
Author: Robert Preer / Globe Correspondent
An alliance of health boards in communities south and west of Boston is trying to institute a regional ban on smoking in restaurants and bars effective Jan. 1.

The boards plan to hold a series of local hearings in the coming weeks, followed by formal board votes on the proposal in each community.

Ten towns now are actively involved in the effort, which Walpole health officials initiated earlier this year. . .

Joe Donnelly Jr., head of a tobacco control program in Norwood, Canton, Walpole and Foxborough, said, ''It eliminates the fear of the restaurant owners that if you ban smoking in the restaurants and bars in one town, that people will flock to the restaurants and bars in the neighboring and surrounding towns.''

Health agents and board members are scheduled to meet tonight at 7:30 at Walpole Town Hall to discuss the progress of the effort. . .

Some restaurant owners support the proposed regional ban, while others oppose it.

In Walpole, restaurant owners have worked with the Board of Health to promote the idea of regional action. Canton restaurant owners also serve on a local health board subcommittee studying the regulations.

The strongest opposition has come from owners of bars that have limited food service and a high percentage of patrons who smoke.