Smoking in restaurants, bars, and casinos is something which has long been a fixture in the food and entertainment industry. Often non-smokers avoided places which allowed smoking for both work and recreation. However in 1998 California became one of the first to pass a bill which outlawed smoking in casinos, bars, clubs and restaurants. In the last ten years, other states such as Arizona, Florida, New York and recently Oregon have followed California's example. In 2001 Oregon law makers argued both sides of the law, however it was passed by a reasonable margin. The main reasons the bill passed was attributed to the need for a healthy work environment and a smoke free zone for consumers who did not smoke.

Through out the 80's and early 90's bills were passed all over the country outlawing workplace smoking. However these bills did not include bars, restaurants, bowling alleys or casinos. Lobbyists argued for these workers and brought forward statistics showing the effects of second hand smoke. They did not feel it was fair to offer a smoke free environment for some workers and not others. Many of the workers liked their jobs and wanted to keep them but ultimately did not want to be around smoke but they suffered through. In the end they had to deal with many second hand smoke issues.

There is nothing like trying to eat dinner while someone is puffing away like a chimney at the next table. Restaurants use to offer smoking and non-smoking sections. However recent studies showed ventilation systems were simply not enough to filter out the second hand smoke. Customers stopped frequenting their favorite restaurants due largely to the fact they were non smokers not wishing to be around the smell or the health hazards. This only furthered the bill into law.

Some opponents to the bill felt it was taking away the right for an adult to choose what they do to their own bodies. However what they failed to see what by smoking in public places the smoker is taking away the right for a non-smoker to be healthy. In Oregon a compromise was made, smoking would be allowed outdoors. While this does not agree with everyone on each side of the issue, it is a fair compromise for bars and restaurants which have outdoor seating available.

Being exposed to second hand smoke exposes non-smokers to all the same risks as if they smoked. They can develop lung cancer, emphysema, and asthma. Some feel by working in places where smoking is allowed such as bingo halls or clubs, the employee is knowingly exposing themselves to smoke and the health risks same with those who bring business to those places. However, previous legislation promised a smoke free work environment for all, not simply for those who can work a better job.

Oregon is taking strict steps to enforce this bill as it is something Oregon law makers believe in. There are fines and other consequences for being non-compliant to this bill for business owners. Being healthy and making sure Oregon workers are healthy is something in the forefront in the minds of all Oregon law makers and it should be the same for all Oregonians. No one wakes up one morning and thinking they want to die of lung cancer, it shouldn't even be an option.