ANR UPDATE, 29(2), Summer 2010

Smokefree Successes!

Puerto Rico has the proud distinction of having the strongest smokefree law of any U.S. state, commonwealth, or territory. The Commonwealth has enjoyed smokefree air in workplaces and public places, including restaurants, bars, and casinos, since March 2007. Outdoor workplaces, such as restaurant and bar patios, are also smokefree, as are parks, beaches, and playgrounds. Both Puerto Ricans and visitors to this beautiful island are now breathing much easier.

This positive impact was confirmed by Dr. Heriberto Marín, Associate Professor and researcher at the School of Public Health of the University of Puerto Rico. "The smoke-free policy…has been one of the most important and successful public health measures in the recent history of Puerto Rico. The measure has been very effective in reducing exposure to secondhand smoke in restaurants, pubs, discos and casinos. In the case of casinos, the effect has been very dramatic in protecting the health of workers and clients without any apparent negative effect in their business activity."

During the campaign to enact the smokefree law, tourism and gaming interests were very concerned about the impact it would have on business. But, according to Dr. Elba Díaz, with the Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Puerto Rico, "after three years of the implementation of the smoking ban, in addition to the casino workers, the management and owners of the casinos and hotels, the tourism government agencies, and the casino clients have become the biggest supporters of the law."

Puerto Rico's smokefree law is part of a comprehensive tobacco control strategy that continues to create a supportive environment for people to quit smoking. Puerto Rico has achieved a smoking rate of 11.6%, the third lowest in the U.S., behind only Utah and the Virgin Islands. Advocates throughout Puerto Rico continue to advance the social norm that supports smokefree workplaces and public places, both indoors and out, and that creates a healthy, vital environment for the Commonwealth's workers, residents, and visitors.

Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson, surrounded by lawmakers, prepares to sign the state's smokefree law.

Kansas Governor Parkinson's signing of the smokefree law in March marked the culmination of years of grassroots efforts and numerous local ordinances from Lawrence to Topeka. The state legislation covers bars, restaurants, and almost all workplaces. Governor Parkinson remarked that the law will help save thousands of lives, but he called the exemption for the state-owned casino "hypocritical," because it prevents protection of casino employees and customers. The law takes effect on July 1st. Will your state or city be next?

Planning travel to the Northwest? If so, consider visiting beautiful Moscow, Idaho - home to the University of Idaho and a popular annual jazz festival. Moscow is the state's first city with a smokefree bars law (the state law only covers restaurants and public places -- leaving workers in bars and in most non-hospitality jobsites unprotected). Mayor Nancy Chaney (pictured on right), a smokefree champion, told ANR that her city is proud to be Idaho's smokefree leader. Especially in a college town where young people often get jobs waiting tables, serving drinks, or playing in a band to make ends meet, smokefree air in both restaurants and bars is important for a healthy, vibrant future. Way to go Moscow, Idaho!

Congratulations to Rhode Island, which in March marked the 5th anniversary of its 100% smokefree law for non-hospitality workplaces, restaurants, and bars. Workers and the public are breathing easier throughout the Ocean State, and the law has had a significant impact on public health. In fact, the state's smoking rate dropped from 21.3% in 2004 before the law to 17.4% in 2008.

Smokefree air may now be the norm in Rhode Island, but when the law was debated and enacted in 2004, it was quite controversial. Bars and private clubs were originally given an 18-month exemption from the law, but a state court ruled in March 2005 that the delay was unconstitutional and that those facilities had to go smokefree immediately.

Walter Harper, Director of the state's Tobacco Control Network, "applauds the work of tobacco control advocates in making Rhode Island the seventh smokefree state, and we look forward as an advocacy-focused collective to further advance data-driven policy change initiatives at the local and state levels to reduce tobacco use."

Although Rhode Island has made significant smokefree progress, work remains to be done to reduce tobacco use and exposure and to expand smokefree protections to gaming facilities so that all workers can enjoy a safe workplace.

Wisconsin advocates cannot wait until July 5th, when their statewide law will take effect!

Wisconsin's smokefree law, covering indoor workplaces, restaurants, and bars, will take effect on July 5th to the great cheers of Wisconsin workers, residents, and visitors. The campaign to enact the law was not without its challenges; the law allows for smoking on outdoor patios of restaurants and bars and prevents local communities from prohibiting smoking in those places or anywhere outdoors on private property. Advocates in Wisconsin are geared up for the long haul, working both to implement the current law and committed to closing loopholes in the future. The current law does protect workers at Wisconsin's indoor workplaces, and many outdoor places as well - including the Green Bay Packers' home, Lambeau Field. Enjoy the smokefree air, Wisconsin!

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