Support a smoke-free Utah

Because the tobacco industry has little, if any, credibility with the public, it has recruited the hospitality industry to be a front organization in opposing legislation that will provide a smoke-free environment in Utah. The hospitality industry is doing tobacco's dirty work in opposing SB19. The bottom line is that SB19 will result in a decline in the use of tobacco products and a decrease in tobacco's huge profits.

Utah should join a number of other states and communities all across our nation who have boldly made their workplaces, restaurants as well as their bars and taverns, smoke-free. By passing SB19, Utah will reduce the enormous health consequences of being exposed to unnecessary secondhand tobacco smoke.

George J. Van Komen, M.D.

Salt Lake City