Issues of Implementing a No-Smoking Policy in a Tobacco State: The Art of Diplomacy

The issues of implementing a no-smoking policy in a small city in south-central Kentucky involve many different factors. One issue includes the emotions tied to a cultural heritage of tobacco-growing farmers, not to mention the economics of losing a financially successful profession. Another issue is the influence the lobbyists from not only the tobacco companies, but other industries that chance to lose an extremely profitable business, have on the policy-makers. The perceptions of loss of rights and the take over of “big government” also blur the true costs of tobacco, which are loss of life and disability.

A time-line will demonstrate the progress made in some parts of the state as compared to the stalemate that has prevented the implementation of a smoke-free policy in this small Kentucky city. Politics, economics and other perceptions of this community will be described as health professionals and other supportive parties dare to bend traditions that are costing community members, not only their health, but many times their life.