Three Months Before Implementation
... Or immediately after passage of the law.
Especially in the case of statewide efforts, the enforcement agency should provide appropriate training to tobacco control staff, coalition members and volunteers on best practices for supporting smoke-free implementation. Regional trainings prior to implementation can review the media campaign and prepare staff and community members to take advantage of earned (i.e. free) media opportunities.
Business Education
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Create a Business Education Kit containing:
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Enforcement instructions (in clear, simple to understand language)
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Frequently Asked Questions
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“No Smoking” signage. May include:
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Indoor and outdoor signs
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Posters
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Napkins
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Coasters
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Sample pay stub inserts to inform employees about the law
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Check out the downloads page for a complete list of materials you can download and have a professional printer customize for you.
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Phone number and/or Web site address for more information
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Information on how to report a violation
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List of state and local smoking cessation resources
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Send a letter to employers notifying them of the new law, effective date, enforcement procedures, etc. This letter should be sent by the enforcing agency (Usually the state or local health department).
For example, the Colorado Department of Public Safety and Department of Public Health and Environment sent out this enforcement letter. -
Send a business kit to restaurants, bars and other employers in the community. Include contact information for the state and local smoking cessation resources.
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Send extra business kits to the Chamber of Commerce and other state (or local) business groups.
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Hold a business owner forum to discuss the upcoming law and enforcement and to answer any questions or concerns. Having face-to-face meetings with those who may potentially be resistant to the new law, and opening a door to communication, can improve compliance and prevent later opposition. Often times, business owners simply need to express their fears and concerns to the relevant official or organization.
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Distribute postcards to the public to send to businesses with the message: “I can't wait to frequent your business after you go smoke-free.”
Public Education
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Develop and disseminate positive messaging to help staff and community members conduct effective media outreach and answer questions.
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Organize a steady letter to the editor campaign. Recruit coalition members to submit letters to the editor at least three times a week each week until the law goes into effect, and three weeks following implementation.
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Place paid ads in local newspapers.
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Prepare and place radio, bus, bus shelter, and billboard ads.
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Set up a telephone hotline for questions about the new law. Develop a hotline script with information on the effective date, how to comply, how to file a complaint, enforcement procedures, and the smoke-free website.
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Identify state and local smoking cessation resources to assist smokers who are encouraged to quit by the new law.
View ads you can download and customize with local information to suit your needs.
See what you need to do one month before implementation day
