Georgia is One Step Closer to Becoming a Smoke-free State

A measure banning smoking in almost all public, indoor areas passed the Georgia Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Feb. 8. Sen. Don Thomas, a Republican from Dalton and a family physician, introduced the bill. He said second-hand smoke is taking a toll on the public's health and contributing to rising health-care costs. Several groups spoke in favor of the bill, including the Georgia Restaurant Association. An association spokesperson cited the "crazy quilt" of smoking regulations passed by municipalities across the state and said it would be better to have one consistent law for the entire state. Other proponents included the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association. Kay Jackson, who owns a cigarette machine vending company called American Vending Co., said the bill would destroy 90 percent of business and take away her livelihood. "This is how I make my living," she said. "I don't want to lose my home." As of this writing, the bill is scheduled to move to the Georgia Senate floor. -Erin Moriarty,Atlanta Business Chronicle