A nonsmoking revolution is under way in downtown Mobile, led by new upscale hotels and restaurants that are trying to attract customers who don’t want to go home smelling like an ashtray. Health officials said they’re hoping the trend adds momentum to efforts to pass a citywide ban on smoking in public places. The bars and restaurants at the Battle House Hotel and the Riverview Renaissance Hotel don’t allow cigarettes, although ... Jump to full article >>

San Luis Obispo made history when it became the first city in the nation to outlaw indoor smoking in public places — and it should forever be proud of helping to alert the nation to the dangers of second-hand smoke. Tonight, the City Council has another opportunity to protect public health. It will consider banning smoking at several outdoor venues, including city parks, sports facilities, trails and open spaces, as well as Mission Plaza and t ... Jump to full article >>

The editorial, “Start planning now to launch controversial smoking rules” (Nov. 12), properly advises proprietors of restaurants and bars to become familiar with how a new law that eliminates smoking in these venues starting on Jan. 2, 2010, will affect them. It is important to recognize Greensboro, Guilford County and North Carolina have a 20-year, unblemished record of successful implementation of incremental restrictions on smokin ... Jump to full article >>