Many countries, states, cities, and towns have passed smoke-free workplace laws for ALL workers (including office, restaurant, and bar workers). Equally as important as passing smoke-free workplace legislation is enforcing it.
Fortunately, there are several common sense ways to maximize compliance with smoke-free workplace laws. Jurisdictions do not have to hire any new employees or undertake any additional expenses. Here are four simple things every jurisdiction can do:
1. Require highly visible NO SMOKING signs (at the entrance and within an establishment)
2. Require the removal of all ashtrays
3. Require an announcement (where feasible-- such as at airports, sporting events, concerts, etc.)
4. Provide an easily accessible complaint form for violations
Very few smokers will smoke under a NO SMOKING sign without an ashtray.
On the other hand, many smokers will smoke where an ashtray is present
(even if they know that smoking is not allowed).
Health department inspectors regularly inspect restaurants and bars for health violations. They carry a checklist with them for things ranging from choking signs to clean water. For maximum enforcement of smoke-free laws, it is imperative that health department inspectors add to their checklist 1) verification of NO SMOKING signs and 2) removal of ashtrays. In New York City, almost all fines issued by the Department of Health have been for failure to post NO SMOKING signs or failure to remove ashtrays. There have been very few cases of anyone smoking in violation of the City's law.
If you have any questions about enforcement of smoke-free laws where you live, contact your local Department of Health.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens
can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever
has." Margaret Mead
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