Yesterday morning the University hosted a "Smokefree Rally" at Jordan Hall promoting knowledge about the effects of secondhand smoke.
The rally was sponsored by Virginians for a Healthy Future, an organization associated with the American Cancer Society, and Ignite, a national student organization founded at the University that works to keep tobacco companies accountable.
"Our main goal is to put through a 'smoke-free' bill that would eliminate smoking in work places such as restaurants, bowling allies and even corporate offices," said Katie Pepe, American Cancer Society Smokefree campaign coordinator.
In order to endorse their smoke-free bill, Virginians for a Healthy Future have created the Smokefree Virginia Now Tour which has rallied in Richmond, Newport News, Fredericksburg, Arlington and Roanoke in addition to Charlottesville.
Although yesterday's rally had low attendance, they have had success in other cities and are raising awareness, according to Pepe.
"We've got the momentum and we'll see how far we can take it," said State Sen. Brandon Bell R-Roanoke, patron for the smoke-free bill. "It's time for people who don't smoke to assert their rights."
The bill is based on the surgeon general's statement that "secondhand smoke exposure in the workplace has been linked to an increased risk for heart disease and lung cancer among adult nonsmokers," published in his report titled, "The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke."
"The Surgeon General has released a statement that secondhand smoke kills, that's the bottom line," Pepe said.
Both Virginians for a Healthy Future and Ignite said they feel that the current Virginia Indoor Clear Air Act, which prohibits smoking in certain buildings, does not go far enough, according to Pepe.
Several local bar managers said such a bill would be bad for their businesses.John Fink, Wednesday manager for South Street Brewery in Charlottesville, said if a ban is placed on smoking in all restaurants, then his bar would see a drastic decline in bar patronage.
Klem disagrees.
"Secondhand smoke kills twice as many Americans each year as AIDS," said Katherine Klem, founder and national president of Ignite. "This is an issue of workers' rights. They shouldn't have to choose between their health and work."
After the bill passed in the Senate last year and died in the House, Virginians for a Healthy Future say they hope to have success this upcoming session, according to Pepe.
"It really comes down to the health effects, and there is no safe exposure to secondhand smoke," Bell said.
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