Smoke Free North Dakota | Video

Sarahbeth Ackerman | 7/24/2012

In August of 2005, North Dakota`s smoke free-law went into effect. Under the law smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public areas, with a few exceptions. Some of those exceptions include bars, private smoking rooms, bingo facilities, bus stations and truck stops.

Smoke Free North Dakota volunteers were determined to add some more names to their petition today at the State Fair. The group wants to further protect the health of the citizens from both smoking and secondhand smoke.

Just last week, the volunteer group received 10 thousand signatures of their needed 13 to 14 thousand names.

"I see the effects of people who are exposed to secondhand smoke and it really does effect the health of those people and children that are effected from the secondhand smoke from their parents. And when they work in a place that allows smoking, that smoke comes home on the clothing of the parents. And so everybody is effected by the smoking, not just the person who smokes," said member Carolyn Bodell.

Today at the North Dakota State Fair, the smoke free petitioners collected 150-200 signatures which could potentially meet their state-wide goal. They are looking to get their measure on the ballot this November.

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