Eddie Farah Emphasizes Importance of the Daytona International Speedway Smoking Ban
The Daytona International Speedway is the last professional sporting venue in Florida to institute a smoke-free policy, but not the least.
Big Tobacco and the Speedway were once inextricably linked — but gone are the days when cigarette advertising dominated the track and fans would leave events laden with free packs of cigarettes provided by former NASCAR sponsor R.J. Reynolds.
Starting with events on July 6, smoking in the track grandstands will be prohibited.
As reported in the Daytona Beach News-Journal, anti-tobacco advocates voiced their support for the new policy during a recent press conference at the Speedway.
The symbolism of the move was not lost on Florida’s Department of Health Director, Dr. Bonnie Sorenson. “This is a huge step for the Daytona International Speedway, from being subsidized by tobacco to now making the grandstands smoke free,” she stated.
According to the Florida Department of Health, while the percentage of adult and high school student smokers is declining in Florida, more than 21,300 Floridians under the age of 18 still become smokers each year.
The director of the Speedway said that the new policy was implemented after fans complained about second-hand smoke while they were watching the races. However, the facility isn’t totally smoke-free; during the upcoming Coke Zero 400, smokers will be able to light up in a designated area behind the grandstands.
Although there is no current plan to make the Speedway completely smoke-free, Dr. Sorenson thinks there is hope. “I think this is a first step and I think they will go further,” she told the press conference.
Daytona Beach personal injury attorney Eddie Farah thinks the new policy at the Speedway is a welcome change — and a long overdue one. Each action aimed at loosening Big Tobacco’s addictive grip saves lives and prevents countless tobacco-related illnesses.
If you have any questions concerning the status of on-going tobacco litigation, contact the attorneys at Farah & Farah by calling (800) 533-3555.
By Eddie Farah
