DALLAS — The Daddow-Isaac American Legion Post 672 will be smoke-free starting June 1, reported Clarence Michael, the Legion’s past commander and current historian.

Tuesday’s decision to prohibit smoking inside American Legion Post 672, located off Route 415, was not taken lightly. Members initially contemplated the idea of becoming a non-smoking facility at the start of the year, Michael said.

“We discussed the idea three months ago,” he said.

That discussion led Post commanders to purchase filters for the existing smoke-eaters, Michael said. Smoke-eaters are a common air purification system that removes gases and tiny particles associated with cigarette smoke. The filters cost $1,000, he said.

“We decided to give it three months and see if it worked,” Michael said.

Under the Commonwealth’s Clean Indoor Air Act, enacted in 2008, smoking was banned in bars where food sales made up less than 20 percent of percent of its profits. Last year, state legislators sought to close the exemption with House Bill 1309, which would also include e-cigarettes.

American Legion Post 672 fell into that exemption.

However, a more health-conscious society and a rise in awareness of what chemicals are in tobacco products spurred members to take a stance on smoking inside the building, he said.

“The military will not allow smoking in basic training anymore,” Michael said.

Michael, who is 81, recalled being handed a pack of cigarettes when he entered the military.

“They use to give you smoke breaks,” he said with a laugh.

Tuesday’s meeting attracted a crowd of Post members, Michael said.

“There was an overwhelming turnout,” he said, adding 10 to 15 people voiced their opinion on whether the Post should be a non-smoking facility. “There was a very spirited discussion.”

Some claimed the smoke-eaters were making a difference, while others said they still smell like smoke after visiting the establishment, Michael said.

“It is a very divisive issue,” he said.

With a final vote, members agreed to make the facility a non-smoking venue.

“Smoking receptacles will be placed outside for people to put their (cigarette) butts in,” Michael said. “We already heard some people say now their wives will be willing to come because of the no smoking policy.”

Daily Journal file photo
Tobacco companies will soon begin airing anti-smoking ads under a court order.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/web1_cigs.jpg.optimal.jpgDaily Journal file photo
Tobacco companies will soon begin airing anti-smoking ads under a court order.

By Eileen Godin

egodin@timesleader.com

Reach Eileen Godin at 570-991-6387 or on Twitter @TLNews.