Recorded presentation

Cynthia Hallett, MPH and Julia Carol. Executive Director, American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation, 2530 San Pablo Avenue, J, Berkeley, CA 94702, 510-841-3045, cynthia.hallett@no-smoke.org

In an effort to counter the misinformation about the effects of smokefree policies on restaurant revenues, the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation launched an educational effort to reach restaurant owners and managers at hospitality conventions and trade shows, as well as door-to-door outreach and education efforts. This project, designed specifically to meet the special needs and interests of restaurateurs, includes a short brochure and table-top display that conveys the true economic and health benefits of smokefree policies. Through these interactions in hospitality venues, coalition members are able to communicate directly with individuals in the hospitality industry, correct tobacco industry myths around economic impact, and encourage the support and implementation of smokefree venues in their community.

This presentation will expose the massive misinformation campaign waged by tobacco companies to generate opposition to local and state smokefree laws, review qualitative data collected at hospitality trade shows that demonstrate increased support for voluntary or legislated smokefree restaurant policies, and discuss the positive impact of the hospitality industry education at targeted trade shows and meetings in ethnically and geographically diverse communities across the United States.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Recognize tobacco industry misinformation and interference tactics
• 2. Explain the benefits of educating restaurateurs at hospitality trade shows and other venues
• 3. Utilize the hospitality booth and brochures to engage and mobilize restaurateurs in smokefree policy efforts

Keywords: Tobacco Policy, Advocacy

Related Web page: www.no-smoke.org/restaurant_brochures.htm

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation