Beginning Sept. 17, New Hampshire’s ban on smoking in restaurants and cocktail lounges goes into effect.

“The science is clear – secondhand smoke poses a dangerous health risk,” said Gov. John Lynch when he signed the smoking ban into law in June. “Smoking has been banned in most every workplace in New Hampshire. We should not continue to subject our hardworking citizens in the restaurant industry to the harmful danger of secondhand smoke.”

Supporters cited a poll that found that 79% of respondents favored a smoking ban, and said the bill would protect the health of the public, including workers. “Those who wait on tables or tend bar in our restaurants must work to make ends meet – to pay the rent, to provide for their children,” Lynch said. “Today, we are making a statement. We are telling these hardworking men and women that we care about them. We care and are committed to providing a safe, healthy work environment.” Some restaurants were already going smoke-free even before the ban went to vote.

“From a health standpoint, it’s a real positive. The quality of life in New Hampshire is too important.”