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Arkansans Support Smoke-Free Legislation
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the Natural State think smoking should be outlawed in specific areas, according to a poll by Opinion Research Associates for the American Cancer Society. 65 per cent of respondents in Arkansas support the proposed legislation that would ban smoking in workplaces and restaurants.
The proposed legislation—known as the Clean Air Act—seeks to prohibit smoking in all public places and enclosed work areas. Exceptions will be made for bars that do not allow entry for anyone under 21, certain hotel rooms and tobacco shops.
Last month, Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee voiced support for the legislation, saying, "We have a responsibility to protect the innocent people. And not at the expense of innocent people should people be allowed to pursue a personal habit."
Senate minority leader Shawn Womack agreed with the governor, declaring, "Employees ought to be protected from the toxic chemicals we now know are produced by smoking. Second-hand smoke is also a health hazard. It is along the same lines of protecting employees from asbestos and other hazards in the workplace."
So far, sixteen American states have implemented smoke-free workplace laws.
Polling Data
Do you support or oppose the proposed legislation that would ban smoking in workplaces and restaurants?
Support | 65% |
Oppose | 32% |
Not sure | 3% |
Source: Opinion Research Associates / American Cancer Society
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 500 adults in Arkansas, conducted from Mar. 1 to Mar. 4, 2006. Margin of error is 4.5 per cent.