Richardson signs statewide smoking ban into law

Gov. Bill Richardson signed into law today a statewide ban on smoking in most public buildings.

“The advantages of a law like this – dramatically reducing exposure to second-hand smoke – far outweigh any potential administrative problems,” Richardson said. “The exposure to second-hand smoke, and cancer and lung and heart disease, is a risk that we should no longer take.”

House Bill 283, sponsored by Rep. Al Park, D-Albuquerque, bans smoking in restaurants, bars and workplaces throughout the state, in addition to public transportation systems and almost all enclosed public places. It also prohibits smoking within a “reasonable” distance of their doors and windows.

Smoking would still be allowed in private residences that don’t provide commercial child, adult or health care; private clubs; bingo halls; retail tobacco stores; tobacco manufacturing plants; film production sets; sole proprietor businesses; and businesses with fewer than two employees.

Several communities, including Las Cruces, have had a similar ban in place for several years.