A survey released today shows that the law’s popularity ranks up there alongside some of Minnesota's favorite things: the Vikings, the State Fair and walleye dinners. An overwhelming 77 percent of Minnesotans said that they support the statewide smoke-free law, with 41 percent indicating strong support. 

In truth, Freedom To Breathe was a win/win experience for everyone involved. And the MMA takes the opportunity to again thank all the doctors who stood up for the right to not be poisoned by secondhand smoke, and to the governor, legislators and other public officials who took a chance on public health.

Physicians are encouraged, as October 1 draws near, to write letters to their local papers noting the anniversary, and thanking everyone who contributed to making Freedom to Breathe a success — lawmakers, local officials, the media, and ordinary citizens who said no to secondhand smoke.

At the time of the law's passage, no one was quite sure that Freedom to Breathe would be allowed to succeed. The MMA expected legal challenges, protests from unhappy bar owners and patrons, even legislative repeal.

Some of these challenges materialized. A few Minnesotans vowed that the law was a violation of individual liberties, and would be stricken down. But it wasn't.

Propagandists spread the rumor that hundreds of bars and restaurants were being driven out of business by the ban, and even produced lists of failed businesses. But the lists were bogus.

Finally, a handful of few bar owners attempted to sidestep the new law by holding "smoking theater" nights, pretending that their taverns were playhouses, and the smokers puffing around the bar were putting on a play.

But the Minnesota health Department was firm in enforcing the law and obtaining court ruling against these charades.

The truth is, bars and taverns did fine with the new law. Taxes collected by bars were at the same level or higher levels level in the past year as they were in years past.

So now it is time to toast a success for all Minnesota: Happy birthday, Freedom to Breathe!

A timeline for healthier air

The struggle for healthier air in Minnesota goes back many years.

• Back in 1974, Minnesota was the first state to promote a day without smoking.
• A year later, the state passed the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act, requiring separate sections in restaurants for smokers and nonsmokers.
• In 1985 Minnesota became the first state to to earmark a portion of the state cigarette excise tax to support smoking prevention programs.
• In 1994 the state, together with Blue Cross/Blue Shield Minnesota, sued tobacco companies for violating anti-trust laws by failing to disclose addictive qualities of tobacco.
• In 1998 tobacco made a $6.1billion settlement with Minnesota and Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
• In 2007, with the help of the settlement funding, and the hard work of thousands of physicians, legislators, health care professionals and ordinary citizens, who worked at the local and statewide levels to compel officials to acknowledge the real dangers of secondhand smoke, Minnesota passed Freedom To Breathe.