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The health benefits of smoke-free policies in the workplace are well-known; however, there are still concerns policies may negatively impact business in restaurants and bars.

 

In response, the CDC Foundation, with CDC expertise, launched an initiative to provide restaurant and bar owners with scientific and experiential information on the impact of smoke-free policies on the hospitality industry. The initiative is designed to increase restaurant and bar owners' understanding of the benefits of smoke-free policies.

 

The results of an economic impact study of nine states, including South Carolina, were released on August 1, 2013. Researchers found no negative economic impact in communities with a smoke-free law. Click here to view the article published in Preventing Chronic Disease.

 
The CDC Foundation developed a video of interviews with SC restaurant owners and managers about their experiences being smoke-free. To view the video, click here.

 

Learn more about this project by clicking here.

Groups across the state are making a difference in their communities when it comes to tobacco control and prevention. 

If your organization is doing great things we encourage you to share your story with partners and within the community. Success stories are a great way to demonstrate the impact of implementing public health strategies related to tobacco-free living. They can also generate positive attention and support for your efforts. 

Not sure where to start? Resources are available to guide you in developing a success story. The South Carolina Public Health Training Center offers a free success story online training. Register for access to the training in the Virtual Campus by clicking here. Use the Find Courses tab to locate the training. The CDC Division of Community Health offers several resources as well. Click here to learn more.

• ACS CAN releases report on state activities to reduce cancer. Read more.
• Poll: Majority of Americans support smoke-free laws. Learn more.
• Voorhees College will be tobacco-free beginning Sept. 1. Read more.
• FDA has issued 10,000 warning letters to tobacco retailers. Learn more.

The S.C. Tobacco-Free Collaborative is a statewide non-profit organization. Have a question about tobacco use, policy or activities in your community? Contact Megan Hicks at megan@smokefreesc.org or 803-251-0130.