By
Associated Press
.
Published: Sat, May 10, 2008 - 1:26 pm
Last Updated: Sat, May 10, 2008 - 1:39 pm
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Some hospitals have banned smokinginside a person's own vehicle if it's on hospital property, a step
viewed as logical by the anti-smoking movement but repugnant to its
critics.
George Koodray, New Jersey coordinator for the Citizens Freedom
Alliance, says many see this as the beginning -- and easiest part
-- of a growing encroachment of government into people's private
lives.
While a handful of states ban smoking in cars if there are
minors inside, the move by hospitals to prohibit any puffs behind
the wheel represents new territory for those seeking a smoke-free
environment.
The ban is part of the more widely recognized effort by
hospitals to prohibit lighting up inside or outside the building,
out of public health concerns. The American Nonsmokers' Rights
Foundation in Berkeley, Calif., counts more than 1,200 with
campuswide bans.
No exact count is kept on which hospitals extend the ban to
inside a car or truck, but an Associated Press check of hospitals
in Alabama and elsewhere found that a number do.
At Mizell Memorial in Opp in south Alabama, smokers in cars get
a gentle reminder. Spokeswoman Renee LeMaire says if they have
their door open or smoke is seen coming out of a window, officials
approach and remind them of the smoking ban.
Sean Johnson, who handles security at Helen Keller Hospital in
Florence, says he doesn't hunt for people smoking in cars, but
approaches the vehicle if he sees someone or receives a report of a
person lighting up in their car.
He says he treats the smokers as he would want to be treated
while warning them of the hospital's smoking policy.
Rick Wade, senior vice president of the American Hospital
Association, says he had not heard of hospitals banning smoking in
cars, but he understands why the action was taken.
Roger Swafford of Forces Alabama, a smoker's rights group, says
the smoking ban demonstrates the hospital's complete lack of
concern for their patients.
Swafford says visitors that are smokers and willing to adhere to
the hospital policy will likely shorten visits. He also says
hospitals should have a designated area for visitors and staff
members who choose to use a legal product.
Judge Rules Against Florida Gay Adoption Ban
Those who Recommended this also liked:
Email to a Friend 
Printer Friendly 
How long can a visitor go without a cigarette? The rule of thumb is,about as long as a visitor who has drank a full and a half glass of water without having to pee.