Why St. Louis Must Act...
St. Louis City is a remarkable city - its neighborhoods and downtown are the heartbeat of our region. And a smoke-free policy is fundamental as our city strides towards a rebirth.
As the smoke-free debate in St. Louis heats up, there's been the typical discussion around a statewide law instead of a local one. We can all agree that protecting as many people as possible from the dangers of secondhand smoke exposure is the goal. However, enacting a statewide smoke-free air law is challenging in the best of circumstances and can be very
formidable, and even counterproductive.
Unfortunately, in Missouri, the tobacco industry is at its strongest at the state level, where they have a significant amount of influence through their lobbyists and financial connections. However, it cannot maintain a presence in every city council across the country. Thus, a law that will actually protect patrons and employees from secondhand smoke has a greater likelihood of passing at the local level. States that jump the gun too early typically pass weak laws that include exemptions and language that does little to get the smoke out of bars and restaurants.
Additionally, before a statewide smoke-free law can be successful there needs to be strong smoke-free air laws in effect in a significant number of communities in the state. For example, Illinois had over 50 local community coalitions working together on their statewide law and major towns already had strong smoke-free laws on the books (Chicago, individual Chicagoland suburbs, Springfield, Champaign, etc).
In Missouri, 13% of the population is covered by a strong smoke-free law. Most states that are successful in a statewide initiative have somewhere close to 30-50% coverage. Missouri cities with comprehensive smoke-free laws include: Columbia, Kirksville, Chillicothe, Lee's Summit, Independence, Ballwin, Kansas City.
Local laws, even in geographically small and close communities, have been implemented across the country with great success. Washington, D.C., the Chicagoland Suburbs, Dallas/Fort Worth to name a few. Hiding behind excuses like these and waiting for the "state to do something" does nothing but delay protection from secondhand smoke for all of us.
What are we waiting for St. Louis? This is St. Louis City's chance to be a leader in our region and improve the health of everyone. It's time to stand up for St. Louis' right to breathe clean air.
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