Letters express support for laid off workers, ventilation solution

Vancouver, February 16, 2000 – As the WCB steamrolls its smoking ban enforcement machine against the hospitality industry, fifteen municipalities have countered with support for an alternative ‘’ventilation solution."

Letters of support for a ventilation alternative to the punitive smoking ban have been received by the Coalition of Hospitality Organizations from the following communities:

Rick Boyd, President of the BC & Yukon Hotels Association said "Our industry’s priorities have always been to protect our workers’ health and save jobs. We applaud these municipalities for speaking out and recognizing that we, in fact, can do both.

He added, "The WCB’s arbitrary and heavy-handed tactics have ensured the opposite - five businesses are closed and 600 workers laid off."

The Coalition of Hospitality Organizations is a group of affected industry organizations, injured workers, and individuals that support a ventilation solution.

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For more information:

Rick Boyd

BC & Yukon Hotels Association

604.528.7353