City Implementation

The 2014 Surgeon General's Report reconfirms that there is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure; even brief exposure can be harmful to health and smoke-free laws can reduce the risk of heart disease and lung cancer among nonsmokers. Eliminating smoking in indoor spaces is the only way to fully protect nonsmokers from secondhand smoke exposure. Separating smokers from nonsmokers within the same air space, cleaning the air, opening windows, and ventilating buildings does not eliminate secondhand smoke exposure. The report also cites that since 1964, 2.5 million nonsmokers have died from exposure to secondhand smoke.

Americans for NonSmokers' Rights states that, "In general, smoke-free laws have proved "self-enforcing," much like traffic laws. For the same reason that most drivers willingly stop at red lights, the vast majority of smokers politely refrain from smoking in smoke-free areas when they are aware of the law and when nonsmoking areas are well marked." Visit this website for the latest Implementation Tip Sheet.

The templates below can help implement smoke-free policies.

Implementation Brochure
Implementation Frequently Asked Questions
Sample Sponsor letter to Businesses
Business Owners Guide
"This is a Smoke-Free Facility" Sign/Sticker/Window Cling