ANTI-TOBACCO GROUP SEEKS RULE ENFORCEMENT AT ERICSSON STADIUM
October 18, 2000
Copyright 2000 MediaVentures
An anti-tobacco group is supporting a woman's complaint that no smoking rules are not well enforced at Charlotte's Ericsson Stadium and that the stadium is in
violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The woman, who has a tobacco allergy and asthma, says fans are allowed to smoke in their seats and are not restricted to
smoking areas. She says the lack of enforcement does not allow her to escape the smoke while having full access to the game as the act requires. She was joined in the
complaint by Survivors and Victims of Tobacco Empowerment Project (SAVE), a state group that works for those affected by tobacco-related medical problems.
Stadium officials say their policies are consistent with other NFL stadiums. The stadium restricts smoking to designated areas and luxury suites. They say they have
also stepped up enforcement of the policies in response to the woman's complaint. Attorneys familiar with the disabilities act say the woman's claim has merit under the
law.
The woman and group say they aren't looking for a legal battle with the stadium, but do want to see the rules enforced.
