Former AG backs health industry's smoking ban
Former state Attorney General Grant Woods has endorsed a health care industry-backed workplace smoking ban that will go before voters in November.
Backers of Proposition 201 hope Woods' support will help it outduel a weaker smoker ban put forward by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. and an industry group representing bars and restaurants. The rival measure also will be on the November ballot.
Prop. 201 would prohibit smoking in all workplaces and enclosed public areas. It also has the backing of the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association. Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano supports the measure as well. Her Republican rivals oppose proposed smoking bans.
The other ballot question, Prop. 206, allows exemptions for bars and restaurants with bars. It has the backing of the Arizona Licensed Beverage Association.
RJR also is opposing smoking bans and tobacco tax increases in Arizona, Ohio, Missouri and California.
"Proposition 206 is clearly designed to protect their profits," Woods said on Tuesday. "There is only one real smoke-free initiative on the November ballot that protects Arizonans from the dangerous effects of secondhand smoke, and that is Prop. 201."
