Rhode Island Tobacco Control Program

Smokefree Public Place and Workplace Law

January 7, 2005

Dear Business Owner:

On June 29, 2004, Governor Donald L. Carcieri signed into law a bill passed by the RI General Assembly that prohibits smoking in public places and workplaces in Rhode Island. The “Public Health and Workplace Safety Law” will take effect March 1, 2005. This law will protect Rhode Islanders at work and in public places from the effects of secondhand smoke. The law ensures a smoke-free environment for you, your employees, and the public. Rhode Islanders will reap the health and economic benefits of being smoke-free.

As a business owner you might be concerned about the impact of the new smoke-free regulations on your employees and customers. Here are four easy tips to make your business successfully smoke-free.

1. Stay positive. It helps your smoking employees and customers adjust.
2. Remove ashtrays. Create a smoke-free business environment.
3. Post “No Smoking” signs at every entrance as mandated by the law.
4. Train your employees about the law, including what to say to customers who smoke. For example, “State law requires that no smoking be allowed inside the building. We appreciate your cooperation.”

To help you with some of the questions that you may have, we have enclosed the following: A fact sheet (English and Spanish) and “No Smoking” signs (English and Spanish) and an order form for additional materials.

The success of our new law is in your hands. The Rhode Island Department of Health is committed to building support for this law and providing you with the tools and help you need to implement the law effectively.

For help going smoke free, to get signs to post, or for more information about the law, contact the Rhode Island Department of Health at 401-222-3293 or go to www.health.ri.gov/tobacco. For help quitting smoking, call 1-800-Try-To-Stop (1-800-879-8678) or go to www.trytostop.org. For Spanish quit smoking help call 401-728-5920.

Thank you in advance for your help with this life-saving initiative.

Sincerely,

Patricia A. Nolan, MD, MPH
Director of Health