RSS 2.0 FeedThe Anti-Smoking Crusade Comes To New Mexico
by Doug MataconisThanks to a late night decision by Governor Bill Richardson, New Mexico looks to become the next state to ban smoking in bars and restaurants:
The smoke in New Mexico bars and restaurants will soon fade into oblivion under a statewide smoking ban signed this morning by Gov. Bill Richardson.
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Richardson, who occasionally smokes cigars, said he decided late last night to support the bill.
“Each year, more than 53,000 die in the United States as a result of this exposure. Secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States. . . . In my mind it doesn’t make any sense to continue to allow smoking in bars and restaurants,” he said.
The measure prohibits smoking in all workplaces across the state, including bars and restaurants. It takes effect June 15. Individuals violating the ban would face a $100 fine for a first violation.
Oh well, so much for the theory that Bill Richardson was in any sense a libertarian.
H/T: Hit & Run
With the field looking so thin as far as viable Libertarian-minded candidates, I’ll take what I can get. They all have smudges.
As it stands now, Richardson would be my #2 after Rudy.
However, given the democratic two headed monster, I think I can put Richardson right next to Ron Paul in the “unelectable” column.
Comment by AT QB — March 15, 2007 @ 8:22 am