Fair Air speaks for tobacco industry

St. Albert Gazette
Wed 03 Mar 2004

In her complaint about the coverage of the smoking bylaw debate (Bylaw coverage based on hearsay and missed impact of smoke-free workplaces on businesses, Feb 7 Gazette), Karen Bodirsky concludes that the common goal of all involved in the debate is to "keep the hospitality business in business."

Based on the statement in her letter that she represents among others, the Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers' Council, I suggest that her goal is actually to assist the tobacco industry in maintaining smoking in public places as a "normal" activity.

Bodirsky's criticism of myself and others as having no knowledge of the (ventilation) industry, is inaccurate and avoids the real issue. Ventilation has long been advocated by the tobacco industry as an alternative to smoke-free policies. This advocacy has nothing to do with science and everything to do with maintaining the tobacco market.

Frequent references to alleged negative impacts of smoke-free policies are also routinely made by those who work for or with the tobacco industry. In fact, when objective data like sales tax comparisons from smoke-free communities are reviewed, there is no evidence that the hospitality industry experiences any negative economic effect.

If readers are interested in finding out who Bodirsky represents, they'll have a tough time. The Fair Air Association of Canada has no Web site and the only member she has cited by name is the Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers' Council. Enough said.

Michael Perley, Director, Ontario Campaign for Action on Tobacco