Fresh Air For Your Staff

Smoke-free environments are good for the health of all employees. They reduce healthcare costs associated with smoking-related illness, and they encourage people who smoke to quit. A recent study found bars and restaurants in cities with smoke-free workplace laws have 82% fewer indoor pollutants than those that allow workplace smoking. 5

It's Working In Other States

Not only can Minnesota workers now look forward to better health on the job, the experience of 19 other states with statewide smoke-free laws shows that this change can be made without ovarall negative economic impacts. There is a growing body of economic research that reaches the same conclusion: smoke-free policies do not have an adverse economic impact on the hospitality industry. 4

Free Help For Staff Looking To Quit Smoking

Any Minnesotan who wants to quit tobacco use has free access to help through QUITPLAN® Services and many other stop-smoking programs.

Going smoke-free: Helpful tips for your establishment.

  • Remove ashtrays. The law prohibits the provision of ashtrays, matches and other smoking equipment in places where smoking is prohibited. Most people understand that if there are no ashtrays there is no smoking.
  • Talk to your employees about the new law and make sure that your managers or other persons in charge know how to approach a customer who is smoking.
  • Some people don't like surprises. Please remind your customers about the new law before it goes into effect.
  • Use a little humor if someone gets cranky. Everyone loves to laugh, even at themselves.
  • Consider reinforcing the message by using extra "No Smoking" signs.

A Resource For Those Who Work In The Hospitality Business
Fresh Air is also a statewide grassroots coalition of groups and individuals who support the elimination of secondhand smoke dangers in all workplaces, including restaurants and bars.

Hospitality workers and patrons have an important voice on this issue. That's why we need you to get involved and remind others that you deserve protection from secondhand smoke in bars and restaurants. By signing up to be a member of Fresh Air, you will receive up-to-date information on how to get involved.

Click here to contact us for more information

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