Contact:
Angela Bradbery (202)669-6517

May 20, 2004

Court Ruling Against Smokefree Workplace Initiative Is Misguided

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A ruling issued today by the District of Columbia Superior Court is misguided and will seriously hamper the efforts of District residents to place a smokefree workplace measure on the November ballot, Smokefree DC representatives said.

The judge incorrectly found that the initiative – which would require all workplaces, including bars and restaurants, to be smokefree – appropriates funds and unduly interferes with the Council’s ability to set a budget. The ruling prevents the Board of Elections and Ethics from releasing the petition forms needed to gather the requisite 18,000 signatures by July 5. The judge apparently believed erroneous arguments presented by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington that the measure will hurt business, despite the fact that studies show businesses in cities and states that have gone smokefree do just as well, if not better, after the law is enacted.

“We are extremely disappointed in today’s ruling,” said Angela Bradbery, co-founder of Smokefree DC. “It is unconscionable that the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington – which represents just 12 percent of DC restaurants – has fought so hard to prevent D.C. residents from voting on this critical public health measure. We believe the measure does not in any way interfere with the Council’s budgeting ability and that an appellate court will agree.”

Added Sharlene Kranz, the District resident who filed the language, “I am disappointed. Because of today’s decision, District voters likely will not have the opportunity to vote on this critical health measure until 2006. This means that workers will continue to be irreparably harmed by secondhand smoke in their workplaces.

“We will continue to fight for the right of all workers to breathe clean air. Despite this setback, we believe that it is only a matter of time before Washington, D.C. is smokefree.”

Even if an appellate court ultimately rules that the initiative belongs on the ballot, it may be too late to gather the necessary signatures in time for the 2004 ballot.

Secondhand smoke is carcinogenic. It is harmful to the health; it causes cancer and heart disease, and is associated with asthma and bronchitis. The Centers for Disease Control even recently warned heart disease patients to avoid public indoor spaces where smoking is permitted because of the dangerous effect secondhand smoke has on the cardiovascular system. Every day that passes means more workers and more patrons are being exposed to toxic chemicals. Smokefree DC therefore hope that the appellate court will handle this matter as quickly as possible.

Smokefree DC is a group of is a group of Washington, DC residents and employees who believe everyone deserves to breathe clean, smokefree air. We support 100% smokefree environments for all workplaces, including offices, restaurants and bars.