From tucson gasp to smokefree arizona: A history of and observations about the key elements of successful smokefree advocacy in tucson

In November, 2006 Arizona voters overwhelming adopted a statewide initiative which provides smokefree air for most workplaces in the state. The success of the recent statewide effort can be attributed in part to local smokefree advocacy efforts in Tucson, Arizona. This abstract focuses on the history of smokefree advocacy in Tucson and suggests three key elements in the success of local advocacy efforts.

The following are major milestones in the history of smokefree advocacy efforts in Tucson.

1970's The creation of the first smokefree advocacy group (Tucson GASP); passage of the first city ordinance in Arizona restricting smoking in public places, food, drug and department stores.

1980's Passage of the first city and county ordinance in Arizona restricting smoking in workplaces; defeat of legislative efforts at the state level to preempt local smokefree ordinances

1990's Adoption of school district and hospital smokefree and tobacco free policies; first city ordinance in Arizona eliminating vending machine tobacco sales and licensing tobacco retailers and eliminating self-service tobacco displays; passage of city smokefree restaurant ordinance

2000's Passage of county and town restaurant ordinances; passage of statewide smokefree workplace initiative (2006)

Key elements in making smokefree advocacy efforts successful in Tucson include: the existence of an unbroken chain of local advocacy organizations focusing on the creation and expansion of smokefree workplace laws; adherence to message integrity and consistency as a critical factor in the success of local and state initiatives; successful collaboration of local advocates with other state and national advocacy groups and NGO's.