Media Release

FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: January 11, 2005
CONTACT: Elizabeth Harvey, MA, MS, Program Manager Tobacco Control Program 222-6054

Rhode Island Goes Smokefree on March 1
Efforts underway to help businesses protect workers and customers

Providence - On June 29, 2004 Governor Carcieri signed legislation into law that will protect workers and others from the health effects of secondhand smoke.

“This is about creating healthier, safer, cleaner environments for all employees," Governor Carcieri said. "It's about putting a major incentive in place to encourage residents to stop smoking. It's about protecting workers from the dangers of second-hand smoke and ensuring the well-being of Rhode Islanders of all ages. Reducing smoking and exposure to second hand smoke is crucial to our efforts to create a healthier workforce and build a more competitive state," the Governor concluded.

The Public Health and Workplace Safety Act, takes effect on March 1, 2005. Educational efforts are underway to educate business owners and help them comply with the law.

“As the seventh state in the United States to adopt this life-saving legislation, Rhode Island is once again in the forefront of public health accomplishments,” said Patricia A. Nolan, MD, MPH, Director of Health. “ Each year, new evidence confirms that secondhand smoke is a very serious health problem. This is a vital piece of public health legislation that so many have worked on diligently over the years. We are proud to join the other six states in protecting our workers from harm caused by secondhand smoke.”

The Public Places and Workplace Safety Law covers most public places and workplaces. Class C & D liquor license establishments will go smokefree on October 1, 2006. Lincoln Park and Newport Grand are exempt.

The other smokefree states include California, Maine, New York, Connecticut, Delaware and Massachusetts. Data from these other states shows that businesses and the general public have embraced the law. “ Compliance overall has been good and people are breathing easier,” said Elizabeth Harvey, Manager of the Tobacco Control Program at the Department of Health. “We expect that this law will be implemented quickly and efficiently, with businesses cooperating fully. In fact, many restaurants have already gone smokefree, to the delight of waitstaff and customers.”

The Department of Health is working with the Worksite Wellness Council of RI and several on-site treatment agencies to provide services at worksites if requested. This includes free patches, free gum and free counseling through the 1-800-Try-To-Stop Smokers’ Information Center (1-800-879-8678). For services in Spanish call Ya No Fumo at 401-728-5920. This week, more than 40,000 business owners will receive free no smoking signs, a fact sheet about the law and an order form for additional materials to help them implement the law. Materials are available in English and Spanish.

To learn more about the law, enforcement of the law, free quitting services, or how to order materials, go to www.health.ri.gov/disease/tobacco or call 401-222-3293.