Implementation Tools
Develop a State or Local Web Site
One of the most effective and efficient ways to support the implementation of a smoke-free law is developing a state or local smoke-free Web site with an easy-to-remember name such as SmokeFreePhilly.org or SmokeFreeColorado.org.
Include a media newsroom on your site. As the effective date draws near, media and educational materials can drive the press, businesses and the public to the new Web site for detailed information.
Use Media Advocacy
Media advocacy is the strategic use of the media to promote social change or policy – in this case, the implementation of smoke-free laws. It can be an effective and inexpensive way to educate the media and the community, and counter the tobacco industry's “doom and gloom” predictions with solid facts and local stories about successful smoke-free venues. Here are some ways to do it:
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In advance of implementation day, send a media memo to reporters to inform them about the health benefits of smoke-free laws and the evidence that these laws protect health without harming business.
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Submit op-ed pieces or letters to the editor to congratulate and thank elected officials for passing the law and highlight the health benefits of smoke-free laws.
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Conduct a public opinion poll and publicize the results.
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Measure air quality in restaurants, bars or other businesses slated to go smoke-free, and publicize your findings. Then follow-up after the effective date, and publicize the improvement in air quality.
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Recruit supportive restaurant and bar owners and hospitality workers as spokespeople for interviews, and send a notice of their availability to the media. Also, ask them to sign and submit op-eds and letters to the editor.
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Submit supportive letters to the editor and op-ed pieces to be printed on, or just before, implementation day.
Need help with media advocacy ideas? Download sample press releases and op-ed articles from our media section. You can also use our sample survey questions to track the success of your implementation program.
Set up a Smoke-free Hotline
Set up a state or local telephone hotline for questions about the new law. Provide information on how to comply, how to file a complaint, enforcement procedures, smoking cessation and how to access the local smoke-free website.
Create a Business Education Kit
Create a packet of information for restaurants and/or bars containing:
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Implementation instructions (in simple language)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Letter from the enforcing agency to businesses. Check out this sample letter from Colorado's Department of Public Safety and Department of Public Health and Environment.
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Smoking and No Smoking signs. May include:
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Indoor and outdoor signs
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Window stickers
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Posters
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Napkins
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Coasters
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Table tents
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Sample pay stub inserts to inform employees about the law
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List of state and local smoking cessation resources
Learn more about keeping businesses in the loop about the upcoming law, and download and customize professionaly designed print materials such as coasters and signage.
Recruit Volunteers
Recruit volunteers to collect ashtrays and matchbooks from restaurants and bars. Work with a local artist to create a smoke-free sculpture from these items, and notify the media when it's ready. Produce smoke-free stickers , buttons , hats , posters or T-shirts to distribute to volunteers and businesses during the weeks before the effective date of the new law.
Develop Advertising and PSAs
Develop Paid Advertising and Free PSAs or (public service announcements) for daily and weekly newspapers, television, radio, public transportation, bus shelters and billboards. Place an ad in your local Chamber of Commerce newsletter or other business journal.
Need help getting started with ad ideas? You can download and customize these print ads to help you get the word out about the upcoming laws.
Plan an Implementation Day Celebration
The media will be out in full force on implementation day looking for stories to cover. Be sure that supporters will be out supporting businesses, and that the local media knows where to find you.
Host an Anniversary Party
Take time out to congratulate yourself and all of the organizations and activists involved in the passage and implementation of the new law with a one-month, six-month, or one-year anniversary party for your new law. Get local media attention and focus on how well the law is going, and how the law is improving everyone's health without harming business!
