Hazardous Levels Of Secondhand Smoke Found At Local Bars and Restaurants

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Posted: 6:20 PM Mar 20, 2008
Last Updated: 6:20 PM Mar 20, 2008

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A new report shows levels of secondhand smoke at some restaurants and bars in Eau Claire County pose serious health threats to customers and workers.

The study, done by the Tobacco-Free Partnership of Eau Claire County, found the air quality at 11 of the 13 establishments tested was at a level two or more times greater than what the Environmental Protection Agency rates as hazardous.

On Monday, a public hearing is scheduled to talk about an ordinance that would ban smoking in all Eau Claire restaurants and bars. The council could vote on the ordinance the following night. If approved, the ban would go into effect July 1st

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Lori Location: Eau Claire on Mar 22, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Maybe I missed it, but does it list the locations? Granted we all know the places to stay out of in terms of it being a smoke filled room. Does anyone have any guesses?

Posted by: Tony Location: St Louis on Mar 22, 2008 at 06:11 AM
I'm not from your area, but this is nothing new. First, how could they sneak equipment into establishments to take the test. They did the same at a casino here last year. They said they found the air was toxic. The casino first questioned how they could smuggle it in past security. Then have it sit out in the open for a half hour taking samples and then sneak it out. This claim sounds bogus and made up. Their goal has already been accomplished, their bogus results have been published. I'll make a bet, this group is funded by the ACS which in turn is funded by The Robert Woods Foundation which in turn is funded by Johnson and Johnson which in turn is funded by people buying nicotine in the form of the patch and gum. Good luck to you - I hope your keep your freedoms intact.

Posted by: Phil Location: Winona on Mar 20, 2008 at 11:11 PM
This is no surprise. There have been other studies of bars, restaurants, and casinos in other studies that have also shown hazardous levels of air pollution in smoking establishments. Cigarette smoke makes up more than 90% of the contaminants in the air in establishments that allow smoking. Studies also show that customers and staff are definitely harmed by breathing this heavily contaminated air.

Posted by: Lee Location: Sawyer Co on Mar 20, 2008 at 09:03 PM
This group would find secondhand smoke from a smoker in a movie harmful. Why not have the EPA go in there and check it rather then a political action group. Also no one seems to know will a smoking ban in WI also apply to the Casinos ?

Posted by: Danny Location: Eau Claire on Mar 20, 2008 at 08:05 PM
I think the people that have a real problem with the smoking issue need to sit back and think about it for awhile.For Example,There are Bars that I would not go to because of the atmosphere they have,The same should go for the people that don't like Smokey places.With all of the Bars in town I think the Owners SHOULD be the ones to make the call on this issue.We DON'T need the councle members how ever many they are telling 70,000 people how to live there LIVES and Bars, Restaurants in the city of Eau Claire.If the smoke is a problem for you then DON'T go there and Don't work there,The city has more than enough Service jobs for the young people to work at so they can earn money.

Posted by: Barb Location: Rice Lake on Mar 20, 2008 at 07:22 PM
Just another bogus claim. When are smokers going to stand up for themselves? You don't want to breath it then don't go there!!!

Posted by: think Location: new auburn on Mar 20, 2008 at 06:54 PM
yep no smoke no customers.

Posted by: Lori Location: Eau Claire on Mar 20, 2008 at 06:44 PM
Ok, so does this story go in to more detail on the air. As to which establishments they are?