Arizonans Breathe Easier Thanks to Smoke-Free Arizona Act

June 6, 2008 -- A new report reveals how the Smoke-Free Arizona Act led to healthier environments for employees and patrons of Arizona restaurants and bars and to indoor workplaces free from the deadly effects of secondhand smoke.

Since the law took effect May 1, 2007, complaints about indoor smoking have dropped dramatically to less than 200 a month from about 1,400 in the first month, according to the first annual report on the Smoke-Free Arizona Act.

"We are proud to state that one year after the Law went into effect, a high level of compliance has been achieved statewide. Most employers responded well in creating smoke-free workplaces while the number of complaints declined significantly, this resulting in cleaner air for Arizona residents," the report concludes.

The report, available at www.azdhs.gov, also details how the Arizona Department of Health Services implemented the Act, and educated business owners and the public.

"The Arizona Department of Health Services did an excellent job reaching out to the business community, as well as the general public, in educating them about the law well before it went into effect on May 1, 2007," said Bill J. Pfeifer, President and CEO American Lung Association of the Southwest.

Pfeifer added, "The fact that the Smoke-Free Arizona law went into effect so smoothly confirms that the people of Arizona were ready to embrace a strong law that protected the general public and workers throughout Arizona from the deadly effects of second-hand smoke."

During the six-months between the Act's passage and its implementation, ADHS developed rules, held public hearings, created signs for businesses and launched a media campaign to raise awareness about the voter approved Act. In addition, the agency developed a website, www.smokefreearizona.org, and launched an informational hotline.

"The partnerships established during this process proved to be critical in implementing the Smoke-Free Arizona Act and demonstrated what is possible when private business and government agencies work together" said Will Humble, Assistant Deputy Director of Public Health Preparedness. "Together we achieved a common goal of 'Clearing the air' in Arizona."

The few cases that have gone to Superior Court have all been found in favor of the State, most resulting in penalties for the offending businesses.

The Arizona Department of Health Services has partnered with the W.P. Carey School of Business at ASU to determine what effects this law has on businesses. The results of the study should be available sometime this summer.

The website and 24/7 hotline are still available to anyone who needs additional Smoke-Free Arizona information at www.smokefreearizona.org and 1-877-AZ-STOPS (1-877-297-8677).

Source: Arizona Dept. of Health Services

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