Eau Claire Likes Its Ordinance...A Lot

According to a new poll conducted by The Mellman Group, 74% of Eau Claire's residents support their city's smoke-free ordinance, which went into effect in July. The city of Eau Claire has an ordinance that covers all workplaces, bars and taverns included.

A few highlights:

• 77% of people who go out at least once a week support Eau Claire's smoke-free ordinance
• 7 in 10 voters think the law has worked well and want it to stay in place
• 82% of voters surveyed say they believe secondhand smoke is a health hazard
• More than half say they're more likely to go out to eat or drink because of the ordinance
• Smoke-free Eau Claire is equally popular across party lines, gender, and in all geographic areas of the city.

"This is strong evidence the vast majority of people in Eau Claire, and especially the ones who patronize area bars and restaurants most frequently, prefer smoke-free air," Katie Wilson, a member of the Tobacco Free Partnership of Eau Claire said.