THE "PEOPLE OPPOSE" MYTH. Smoke-free opponents often claim to be “speaking for ‘the people’” or “the little guy” when they voice their opposition to smoke-free laws. To be clear, when they oppose smoke-free laws they are not speaking for the vast majority of Minnesotans. Local governments in Minnesota have enacted a number of smoke-free ordinances on the local level. Here is a sampling of public opinion polling in those communities.

Meeker County – 74% of Meeker County voters support an ordinance prohibiting smoking inside all workplaces, including offices, restaurants and bars.

City of Bloomington – 68% of Bloomington voters favor a city law in Bloomington that would prohibit smoking in most public places, including workplaces, public buildings, offices, restaurants and bars.

Beltrami County – 79% of all respondents favor a smoke-free ordinance in restaurants and bars.

City of St. Paul – 63% of St. Paul voters support a city law prohibiting smoking in all restaurants and bars.

Olmsted County – Both smokers (69%) and nonsmokers (88%) agree restaurant workers should have a smoke-free workplace.

City of Minneapolis – 72% of Minneapolis voters favor a city law that would prohibit smoking in most indoor public places, including workplaces, public buildings, offices, restaurants and bars. Fact is: Minnesotans overwhelmingly support smoke-free laws and EVERYBODY’S right to breath clean air.

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