Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Kenosha News


Kenosha News: The public safety and welfare committee is considering adopting the statewide smoke-free law on the local level to ensure compliance and ease of enforcement.




Milwaukee adopts stricter rules regulating smoking in public places - JSOnline

Milwaukee adopts stricter rules regulating smoking in public places - JSOnline

Great news out of Milwaukee! They adopted a strong definition of enclosed place which ensures that all workers and patrons will be protected from the proven hazards of secondhand smoke.

Just Announced Concerts: SMOKE FREE SOUNDS SERIES: Jason & The Haymakers @ Raytown Roadhouse in Racine � True Endeavors Presents:


Just Announced Concerts: SMOKE FREE SOUNDS SERIES: Jason & The Haymakers @ Raytown Roadhouse in Racine � True Endeavors Presents:

Make sure you try to make it out to a smoke-free venue near you and enjoy the smoke-free sounds!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

No smoke tipster hotline is pretty quiet

No smoke tipster hotline is pretty quiet


Nice audio clip on the lack of issues with compliance with the statewide smoke-free air law. This is good news!

Monday, July 26, 2010

Some restaurant, tavern owners say customers have been adjusting to smoking ban | wisconsinrapidstribune.com | Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune

Some restaurant, tavern owners say customers have been adjusting to smoking ban | wisconsinrapidstribune.com | Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune


Business owners and patrons prepared for over a year for the state-wide law to come into effect. It seems that waiting period has helped ease the transition to smoke-free workplaces. As patrons and business owner adjust the satisfaction with this law will increase.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Extinguish this idea - JSOnline

Extinguish this idea - JSOnline


Interesting editorial discussing the idea of repealing the statewide law that is less than a month old.

Public health and safe workplaces should be a priority of every elected official.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Introducing our newest staff member- Emily!

Hello everyone!

My name is Emily Rohloff and I am SmokeFree Wisconsin’s newest member! I will soon be taking over much of the blogging for SmokeFree so I wanted to introduce myself. I am currently SFW’s Communications Specialist. I started my career as a TV reporter but am now excited to move into the area of health-related communications. I am passionate about making sure EVERYONE has the chance to live a healthy lifestyle and am excited about being part of a team working towards this goal. I’ll update the blog multiple times a week with different news articles for you to read or just some things for you to think about and will also ask all of you for your comments on how you feel about various topics. I’m very excited to get started and to keep you all informed with what’s happening in our newly smoke-free state!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Smoking ban has mixed effects on city

Smoking ban has mixed effects on city


Mostly positive article out of Shell Lake in Washburn County. Excellent earned media efforts on behalf of Brette of the Northwest Tobacco-Free Coalition.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Citizen Speaks Out Against Gubernatorial Candidates' Desire to Repeal Smoke-Free Air

Earlier this week, we asked your thoughts regarding the gubernatorial candidates' statements concerning statewide smoke-free air.

One citizen has shared her opinion in the Journal Times:

The back-and-forth was amusing enough, but we would have wished that the two gubernatorial candidates had taken a pass on re-debating this issue and regarded it as a Supreme Court candidate might have — that it was settled law.

Wisconsin became the 28th state to adopt such a ban, and it has seen several municipalities in the state go through withdrawal with their own municipal bans on smoking in restaurants, taverns and other establishments before the statewide ban went into effect.

All of them survived the withdrawal pains and we are confident that the state, too, will endure the brief discomfort and come out on the other side with fresher, cleaner establishments that encourage customers to enter their doors without imperiling their health.


Click here for the complete editorial.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Smoke-Free Air Compliance: One City's Strategy for Handling Smoking Complaints

With statewide smoke-free air secured just ten days ago, there is still some confusion regarding how and by whom enforcement will occur.

The Shawano County Sheriff's Department has taken a proactive approach by clarifying how it plans to enforce the smoking ban.

Read the full article here: http://www.shawanoleader.com/articles/2010/07/12/news/news1.txt.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Repeal smoke-free air? Some Gubernatorial Candidates Speak On Smoke-Free Air

With Wisconsin going smoke-free on July 5th, less than a week later, two candidates for governor came out publicly stating that they would repeal the newly implemented policy. Both County Executive Scott Walker and Former Congressman Mark Neumann stated that if elected, they would repeal this important public health policy.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has not expressed support for a repeal of Wisconsin's smoke-free air law.

Other candidates for Governor has not made public statements in regards to this policy.

Advocates fought long and hard for smoke-free air protections. The policy is still fresh and new; the thought of a repeal is disheartening.

Question of the Week: "Do you think the statewide smoking ban will have the dire economic effect on bars and restaurants that many have predicted?" | sheboyganpress.com | Sheboygan Press

Question of the Week: "Do you think the statewide smoking ban will have the dire economic effect on bars and restaurants that many have predicted?" | sheboyganpress.com | Sheboygan Press


Interesting article out of Sheboygan on whether or not the economic doom and gloom of the smoke-free air would materialize.

Research shows that businesses thrive in a smoke-free environment.What do you think? Submit your thoughts in our comments section.


Friday, July 9, 2010

WSJ: Casinos should go smoke-free

Today the Wisconsin State Journal editorialized on the need for smoke-free protections for Tribal Casinos in the state.

Click here to read the article.

All workers, no matter who controls the workplace, deserve smoke-free air!

Good work WSJ for calling attention to this important issue.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Health Officials Continue Fight Against Smoking - WBAY-TV Green Bay-Fox Cities-Northeast Wisconsin News

Health Officials Continue Fight Against Smoking - WBAY-TV Green Bay-Fox Cities-Northeast Wisconsin News


There is so much more work to do in tobacco control. It's important to remember that smoke-free environments are one element of comprehensive tobacco prevention and control.

This article explains the burden Wisconsin still faces. With a program as under-funded as ours- the work must continue.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Wisconsin GOES SMOKE-FREE


After 14 long months of waiting TODAY is the day that Wisconsin goes smoke-free! Get out there and celebrate at your favorite establishment. Breath a little easier at your favorite corner tavern. Take in the freshness at that local diner or coffee house. Get out there and enjoy the freedom to breathe clean air.


Remember if you see evidence of smoking in a local establishment call 1-800-NO-SMOKE

Don't feel like talking but have seen evidence of smoking? Log onto www.wibettersmokefree.com
Blue Confetti by mickebear.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

1 more day until a smoke-free Wisconsin


We have just one more day until a smoke-free Wisconsin! 
Getting out and breathing easier is our kind of economic stimulus package. 
Get out there and support your local businesses on July 5th!  

Saturday, July 3, 2010

2 more days until a smoke-free Wisconsin


Two more days. The seeds of our activism are about to bloom and grow.
Clean indoor air for everyone! Can you feel the air clearing?

Friday, July 2, 2010

The Staff of SmokeFree Wisconsin are really excited about this law!

While it took a little convincing, I did get my officemates to share in the excitement that we are so close to being a smoke-free state. After 14 long months we have a lot to celebrate and be excited about!

There is a smoke-free air supporter developing even as we speak! 


The excitement is palpable! 


We've waited a long time to go smoke-free!


Last but not least.. I know for sure that Wisconsin is going to be just that much better smoke-free!

3 more days until a smoke-free Wisconsin


Three more days. 72 hours. 69 cancer causing chemicals in secondhand smoke. 
We are three days away from wondering why we didn't do this sooner. 

Thursday, July 1, 2010

New Study: Smoke-free laws are good for health and good for business

A new study was released today from Washington State. The study examines the sales revenue in bars and taverns in Washington State after their smoke-free law went into effect.


4 more days until a smoke-free Wisconsin


Just four more days until a smoke-free Wisconsin. 
Don’t despair, we are almost there! Smoke-free Wisconsin will be here before you know it.