CONCORD - Saying it was an important step to protect the health of workers and the public, Gov. John Lynch today signed a law banning smoking in New Hampshire restaurants and bars.

"The science is clear - second-hand smoke poses a dangerous health risk. And that is why this new law is so important," Gov. Lynch said. "Smoking is banned in almost every other workplace in New Hampshire. We should not continue to subject our hard-working citizens in the restaurant industry to the harmful dangers of second-hand smoke."

The new law, which received bi-partisan support in the House and Senate, goes into effect in 90 days.

"Those who wait tables or tend bar in our restaurants must work to make ends meet - to pay the rent, to provide for their children. Without this law, many of them would have no choice but to inhale dangerous second-hand smoke, putting their health in jeopardy," Gov. Lynch said. "Today, we are making a statement. We are telling these hard-working men and woman that we care about them. We care and are committed to providing a safe, healthy work environment."

Many restaurants and bars have already seen the value in a healthy work environment by banning smoking. In most cases, they have seen their businesses flourish and their clientele expanded.

Senate Bill 42 was sponsored by Sens. David Gottesman, Lou D'Allesandro, Martha Fuller Clark, Bob Odell, Harold Janeway, Molly Kelly, Betsi DeVries, Sylvia Larsen, and Iris Estabrook; and Reps. Larry Emerton, Cindy Rosenwald, Cynthia Dokmo and William Chase.