By Deborah Baker/
Associated Press
SANTA FE — Smoking will be banned across New Mexico in bars, restaurants, stores and other workplaces under legislation signed today by Gov. Bill Richardson.
''This is good public policy. It's the right thing to do,'' Richardson said as he signed the prohibition, which will take effect June 15.
New Mexico becomes the 17th state — including neighboring Arizona and Colorado — to establish a broad smoke-free policy.
The legislation is named for the late Dee Johnson, the former first lady who championed a smoking ban in the state Capitol. Johnson died in December.
''I'm sure she would have led the fight'' for the statewide prohibition, Richardson said.
The governor — an occasional cigar-smoker — said the ban's supporters made a last-minute push to persuade him to sign the legislation.
Thirteen New Mexico communities, including Santa Fe and Albuquerque, have imposed smoking bans. The new law would allow cities and counties to have stronger ordinances, but not weaker ones.
There are exceptions to the prohibition. Among them: retail tobacco stores, cigar bars, casinos, private clubs, and one-person offices not generally open to the public.
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