Tennessee and Kentucky pass new smoking laws

Aug.20.2022
Tennessee and Kentucky pass new smoking laws
Tennessee gives cities power to regulate smoking, Nashville bans smoking in entertainment venues, fines may be imposed. Kentucky raises tobacco taxes.

Earlier this year, the Tennessee state legislature passed a bill allowing subordinate cities to have their own cigarette and e-cigarette laws. In Nashville, the state capital, a measure to ban smoking (including e-cigarettes) in entertainment venues passed its first reading this month. If approved in a second reading, the ordinance will officially be transmitted to Mayor John Cooper.


A public health organization alliance has expressed support for this measure. "As a leading music and entertainment destination in the US, Nashville relies heavily on hotel workers and musicians. However, these individuals have been unable to have smoke-free workplaces," the statement said. They added that "no one should have to choose between their health and paycheck.


According to new regulations, violators may face a fine of 50 US dollars. This measure will exempt cigar bars and other establishments where smoking is part of the business.


Meanwhile, in the neighboring state of Kentucky, the House Committee approved a bill aimed at levying new consumption taxes on e-cigarette products and increasing existing taxes on tobacco products other than cigarettes, which is expected to generate $50 million in revenue. The bill took effect last month.


Last February, State Representative Jerry Miller proposed an amendment to House Bill 32, agreeing to lower tax increases equivalent to a revenue shortfall in the state's budget of $94 million. Ben Chandler, Chairman of the Kentucky Health Foundation, believes that tax increases are a step in the right direction as they discourage youth from buying these products. He said, "Severe taxes will reduce consumption.


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