Stores

The elimination of smoking in indoor spaces, like stores, is especially important because of the great number of people, especially children, who visit them. Employees of shops are especially at risk since they are exposed to smoke for a long time.

Smoke-free stores are more inviting to customers, protect patrons and employees and smell cleaner. Additionally, a retail business owner can save money on reduced damages, maintenance costs and lower insurance rates due to less risk of fires. If a retail shop in a mall wants to appeal to families and be a safe environment for its employees, then it must be smoke-free.

Steps for Success:

• Determine who makes the decisions at the store, i.e. administrators and managers, individual store owners, a committee of both, etc.

• Ask to meet with those who make the decisions and provide them with information about secondhand smoke.

• Ensure that the managers are aware of the Americans with Disabilities Act and how it may apply to visitors or employees.

• Provide a list of other major stores in the state that have adopted a smoke-free policy.

• Consider positive incentives, such as a certificate of recognition or sponsoring billboards and advertisements to encourage or reward the policy change.

• Kick off the new policy with a poster contest and awards ceremony. Invite the mayor to publicize the effort, issue a press release, involve youth in the project and attract media attention. At the store, set up booths with information on the health effects of secondhand smoke and youth tobacco use, and have some cessation materials ready for anyone interested in quitting.