Your Tobacco Free Zone:
more ways you can rally to fight tobacco addiction

“Making changes in the way you do business”

A Commitment to Public Health and Safety

A Tobacco Free Zone is a commitment to fighting tobacco addiction and protecting public health and safety by keeping the air smoke free, supporting those who want to quit, and helping teens beat the tobacco trap.

To successfully fight tobacco addiction for generations to come, we must all work together.

Promotional Pressure:
Money spent to market cigarettes in the U.S. has nearly doubled since 1998, to $13.1 billion in 2005. A community-wide effort is needed to counterbalance the far-reaching, and often subversive tobacco marketing messages. Here’s how you can help break the cycle:
 

Retail advertising
Over 80% of tobacco’s 2005 U.S. marketing budget went into retail promotions. Tobacco retailers in our area average more than 17 branded signs per store. Every tobacco ad supports tobacco use. Read more »
WHAT TO DO: Retail owners and managers can reduce or eliminate the amount of tobacco advertising, branded signs and displays in and around their store and parking area.
 

Magazine and newspaper advertising
Ads in fashion magazines link smoking with style and youth expression. In sports magazines ads link spit tobacco to toughness and success. Read more »
WHAT TO DO: In studio or professional office waiting areas, only display publications that do not accept tobacco ads. Request “no tobacco ad” editions when subscribing. Tell local newspapers to stop running tobacco ads.
 

Funding nonprofit organizations
Tobacco companies appeal for hearts & minds by funding community arts, social services, education and research. Yet the August 2006 ruling on federal racketeering charges reveals an ongoing culture of deceit and fraud. Read more »
WHAT TO DO: Demonstrate your organization’s commitment to socially responsible funding; adopt a policy or pledge to refuse donations from the tobacco industry.
 

Tobacco promotional events

To attract the 18-25 age group, tobacco companies sponsor bands and giveaways at bars and taverns, and at independent fraternities and sororities.
WHAT TO DO: Local bars and Greek councils can adopt a policy or pledge to prohibit co-promotions with tobacco companies.
 

Sponsoring community events

For years, tobacco companies have buddied up to entire communities by sponsoring and vending at annual festivals, rodeos, concerts and sporting events.
WHAT TO DO: Ask if tobacco industry actions match your community’s hopes and values. Adopt a policy or pledge to prohibit tobacco industry involvement at your annual events.
 

We cannot afford another generation of tobacco addiction!