NEW LAW EXTENDS BREATH OF FRESH AIR TO MISSOURI

A new state law won't stop minors from smoking, but it will make it a lot tougher for them to obtain cigarettes.

The law specifically prohibits sales of tobacco products and rolling papers to persons under the age of 18. The current law simply allows cities to prohibit such sales through local ordinances. Both Cape Girardeau and Jackson have such ordinances on the books, but enforcement was practically non-existent. The new state law carries fines for violators from $25 for a first offense to $250 for a third or subsequent offense.

In terms of cigarette sales, Missouri was well behind the times. Our state was one of only three without tobacco sale restrictions to minors.

The new law, which officially takes effect Aug. 28, won't bring a change for a number of area businesses. To their credit, many already refused sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to minors as a matter of store policy.

Despite the well-documented health risks, smoking remains a common practice for many teenagers. A study conducted for the Missouri Department of Health in 1990 found that between 28 and 30 percent of the state's high school seniors smoked cigarettes. The study indicated that many Missouri smokers take up the habit as early as 10 years of age.

We realize true change won't come from availability. It's illegal to sell alcohol to minors, but too many teenagers still drink. But education at a very early age will enable a permanent change in attitude by our kids. That's the beauty of such programs as Project Charlie and the Smoke Free Class of 2000. They make our children feel good enough about themselves that they don't have to bend under these peer pressures. And if education is really successful, the peer pressure will discourage drug, alcohol and tobacco use. Our kids will be healthier and happier in the long run.

The new law affects more than just young smokers. It will restrict smoking in public places as well. It requires a minimum of 70 percent of all enclosed work space in most public places and businesses to be designated as non-smoking areas. It also applies to public transportation. Exceptions apply to bars, restaurants that seat less than 50, bowling alleys, billiard parlors, tobacco stores, private homes and indoor sports arenas or stadiums that seat more than 15,000.

The sale restrictions to minors are long overdue. We all have an obligation to provide for the safety and well being of our youngsters. With growing evidence of second-hand smoke dangers, the public smoking restrictions seem reasonable. It's not as if smoking were outlawed; adults can still choose to smoke. But these restrictions will provide more rights to the non-smoking public. Both changes could bring a breath of fresh air for all Missourians.