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House approves airport-smoking restrictions; debate centers on grandfathered rooms and traveler impacts
Summary
HB288 would prohibit construction of new smoking rooms in airports and require smoke-free indoor areas for new or renovated space; supporters cited public-health benefits and examples from other airports, while several members objected that banning rooms would push smokers outdoors and inconvenience travelers; bill passed and was referred to the Senate.
Representative Carl Saunders presented House Bill 288 to amend the Indoor Clean Air Act for airports, saying it would preclude construction of smoking rooms in new airport construction or renovations after July 1, 2001. "We'd like to have our airport in Utah smoke free and clean of tobacco smoke," Saunders said, citing support from public-health groups and local governments.
Questioners asked about the effect on existing smoking rooms at Salt Lake City International Airport; Saunders said existing rooms would be grandfathered unless eliminated during new construction or remodeling. Opponents argued forced removal of enclosed rooms would relocate smokers to sidewalks or curbs and possibly worsen exposure for travelers. Representative Tyler said, "If we force them out on the curb, then you're going to have to hold your breath when you leave the building," reflecting concerns about curbside concentration of smoke at busy terminals.
Other members recounted personal experience and family health impacts to underscore the bill’s public-health rationale. Supporters cited experiences from other airports that eliminated smoking rooms and reported improved atmosphere and operational savings. Representative Saunders said cigarette manufacturers had paid for construction of some smoking rooms and argued removing rooms would reduce overall smoking prevalence.
Floor debate explored trade-offs between containment (enclosed rooms) and comprehensive no-smoking policies. After discussion and summations, the House voted on HB288 and the measure passed and will be forwarded to the Senate for further consideration.
