By Jac Perry

GUAM - As Guam comes to grips with increasing tobacco taxes, proponents of the tax hike can take encouragement from even more stringent measures being taken in New York City.

After all, it goes without saying that big cities like New York and Los Angeles often set the trends that wind up spreading across the nation and even across the world. But with regard to smoking cessation policy, it appears that efforts on Guam to cut back smoking and improve local health are in close keeping with trends in New York.

The New York Times published a story this week reporting that New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas A. Farley is "seeking to ban smoking at city parks and beaches."

Vice-Speaker Benjamin J. F. Cruz, in April introduced Bill 101, a measure to prohibit smoking within 20 feet of an entrance of a public place where smoking is prohibited.

Cruz's legislation falls in line with Farley's. Cruz has been a strong and long-standing anti-smoking proponent and has written other legislation to curb smoking prevalence on Guam.

Cruz also introduced Bill 150, Bill 150, the measure to increase tobacco taxes on Guam, if passed will make a pack of cigarettes cost $2 more.

But the proposed bills and the proposed banning of smoking in city parks and beaches for New York still may not be enough to prevent people from breathing in unwanted second hand smoke -- if the irritating experience of one local nonsmoker is indicative of any nonsmokers in the Big Apple.

"The people who live on the floor above me smoke outside their apartment and I have to tolerate it. Even when I am inside, the air conditioner sucks in that smoky air and puts it right into my home," a private sector employee who requested anonymity expressed to Guam News Factor.

"I don't think people should have to put up with secondhand smoke in any public place but least of all, in their homes."

According to the office of Senator Frank Aguon, Jr., Committee Chair on Economic Development, Health & Human Services and Judiciary, neither of the anti-smoking bills have been placed on the calendar to be heard in session yet, but are expected to be heard next month.

Jeff Marchesseault contributed to this report.

Read The New York Times story, "New York Eyes ‘No Smoking' Outdoors, Too", September 14, 2009.

Funny tidbit from Core77.com :

Speaking of smoking, some restaurant owners in Germany have come up with a novel workaround to the smoking ban; patrons can stay inside and smoke outside through "Smoking Points" that resemble a cross between a porthole and a stockade. Added bonus: it makes the smoker look like, well, a complete ass! (For the sake of full disclosure, your correspondent is a guilt-ridden smoker.) (Photo and cutline from http://www.core77.com)

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