Smoke Free Air
Secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death in Indiana. The 2006 U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke concluded that there is “no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke.” The report states that “secondhand smoke contains many chemicals that can quickly irritate and damage the lining of the airways. Even brief exposure can result in upper airway changes in healthy persons and can lead to more frequent asthma attacks in children who already have asthma.” For more information about the health effects of secondhand smoke, visit:
Health Effects of Secondhand Smoke
Protecting Hoosiers from Secondhand Smoke
Americans for Nonsmokers Rights, Secondhand Smoke Fact Sheet
National overview
Business/economic impact
Model ordinance
Indiana Model Smoke Free Ordinance
Hoosier Fundamentals of Smoke Free Air
A number of statewide organizations have adopted recommended guiding principles for developing and implementing effective smoke free policies that help achieve the goal of saving people’s lives from the disease and death caused by secondhand smoke. These guidelines have been excerpted and adapted from a publication called “Fundamentals of Smoke Free Workplace Laws,” a smoke free air policy document that was collaboratively formulated by tobacco control partners at the national level. The principles are considered “best policy practice” for smoke free air policies and are based on the experiences and lessons learned from tobacco control advocates throughout the country over several decades.
Fundamentals of Smoke Free Air Policy Development for Hoosier Communities
BREATHE/Take Note/Hospitality and Entertainment
Local Smoke Free Air Laws
Indianapolis
History
City-County Councillors Bowes, Mansfield, Talley and Abdullah championed the passage of a smoke free air law for the city of Indianapolis. To craft a smoke free law for the city these Councillors held a series of public forums and discussion groups during the spring of 2005. On May 23, 2005 the City-County Council of Indianapolis and Marion County passed Chapter 616, a partial smoke free air law. Chapter 616 requires most public places to be completely smoke free with the exception of:
- bars that do not allow anyone under 18 into the establishment,
- bowling alleys,
- private clubs,
- tobacco bars,
- tobacco stores,
- 20 percent of rentable hotel rooms,
- family run businesses in which only family members are present and the public does not enter,
- and private residences unless used as a day care.
This passage marked a change for the city, which previously did not have a smoke free air law that covered most public places in the city. On March 1, 2006, Chapter 616 went into effect for the city of Indianapolis. The City-County Council of Indianapolis and Marion County chose to not include the excluded cities in the county, Beech Grove, Lawrence, Southport or Speedway because they are not a part of the Uni-Gov system within the city of Indianapolis.
Implementation materials
Virginia A. Caine, M.D., Director, Marion County Health Department, Letter to Businesses
Indianapolis’ Smoke Free Air Law, Chapter 616
Chapter 616, Ordinance Summary
Preparing Your Business to go Smoke Free
Answers to the Public’s Questions
Frequently Asked Questions From Businesses
Financial Costs of Smoking
Responding to Customers
Warning and No Smoking Window Clings
Evaluation
A poll released in November 2006 shows that 78% of Marion County adults support our smoke free air law that went into effect March 1, 2006. Additionally, about three-fourths of respondents reported that Indianapolis is a healthier place to work and live after the passage of the law. And, 80% of people indicated that they dine out more often or have not changed their dining patterns since the law was implemented.
Marion County Smoke Free Ordinance Public Opinion Poll 2006
Marion County Smoke Free Ordinance Public Opinion Poll 2006, Executive Summary
Smoke Free Indy One-Year Evaluation Executive Summary
Smoke Free Indy One-Year Review of the Indianapolis Smoke Free Workplace Law
Who’s my City-County Councillor?
The Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council is composed of 29 council members, representing 25 districts and 4 At-Large spots. You can find out who your councillor is by visiting the Government Profile Page of www.indygov.org
Lawrence
In June 2006, the City of Lawrence passed a smoke free workplace ordinance that was nearly identical to the Indianapolis ordinance. The nine-member council unanimously approved the ordinance. It exempts bars, retail tobacco stores, and bowling alleys. The ordinance went into effect on July 1, 2006.
Speedway
The Speedway Town Council passed an ordinance very similar to that of Indianapolis after it was introduced April 10, 2006. Ordinance 1052 passed with some exemptions including bars and bowling alley. It became effective, September 1, 2006. Members of the Speedway Town Councilinclude President Jeff Hartman, Vice-President Bill Golay, Dean Farmer, Lucinda Hillmer, and Gary Raikes.