Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #116660

Kate E. Uslan, MPH, Tobacco Control, Mecklenburg County Health Department, 249 Billingsley Road, Charlotte, NC 28211, 704-336-4660, kate.uslan@carolinashealthcare.org

Smoke-Free Charlotte is a local grassroots coalition of health care professionals, advocacy groups and individuals committed to bringing smoke-free restaurants, bars and workplaces to Mecklenburg County.

The state of North Carolina currently has what health advocates refer to as a “dirty air law.” In 1993 the NC General Assembly passed HB957, “An Act to Regulate Smoking in Public Places and to Establish Standards for Local Governments Electing to Regulate Smoking.” This law requires that 20% of space be set aside for smoking in state controlled buildings and offers no requirements for state government worksites, private worksites, or restaurants. This law also prohibits local governments from determining their own public health ordinances for clean indoor air after October 15th, 1993.

Smoke-Free Charlotte is fighting for an exemption to this preemptive law in the middle of tobacco country. The group has embarked on a challenge that many believe has little chance for success in North Carolina, a state where tobacco is overtly political. The group has already had considerable success and is learning valuable lessons that will be useful to other groups working to overturn preemptive laws.

This study examines the process involved in challenging preemption. We will take a close look at the role of the different players, from the politicians, activists and opposition, to community organizations and health departments. Key strategic moves will be described and analyzed. We will discuss the obstacles and barriers. This research offers a historical perspective on the journey taken down a long and bumpy road.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand preemptive legislation and how the tobacco industry has used this as a tool to limit clean air legislation
• Describe and analyze the strategies used by Smoke Free Charlotte
• Apply the lessons learned by Smoke Free Charlotte to other groups working for smoke-free air in their communities.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.