Learning Objectives: Describe components of a successful media campaign to publicize restrictive outdoor ETS policies, and how to avoid pitfalls associated with the implementation of controversial new tobacco control laws.
Abstract: New and restrictive outdoor secondhand smoke laws present a challenge to tobacco prevention advocates, who may be more comfortable in the role of educators, rather the implementers of controversial new laws. This presentation focuses on the implementation of a law that banned smoking within twenty feet of any worksite in Santa Barbara County beginning March 1, 2002. Described by some to be an unreasonable law and impossible to implement, this presentation outlines the success of a media campaign to educate the public, and move smokers twenty feet away from all worksites. The presentation will highlight the success, and sometimes-heated reaction from the public, to this media campaign. Controversy, from what seemed an excessive law to some, and compromises in some cases, were part of the process. Evaluation of the implementation of the law was performed using observational surveys of smokers in front of a cross-section of worksite types, with worksites in adjoining communities without the law used for comparison. The survey completion date is July 30, 2002. The willingness of worksites to use signs to implement tobacco control laws, the knowledge and recognition of the campaign by citizens, the movement of ashtrays as specified by law, and staff willingness to tolerate controversy, appear to be critical to the successful implementation of outdoor secondhand smoke laws.
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