Implementation of the city of savannah smoke-free ordinance: Lessons learned

About 39% (1.2 million) of adults in Georgia have been exposed to secondhand smoke. Exposure to secondhand smoke can trigger heart attacks, particularly in those with underlying cardiovascular conditions. Research has shown that indoor smoke-free ordinances protect citizens from the dangers of second hand smoke exposure, such as lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Effective January 1, 2011, the Savannah Smoke-Free ordinance expanded the 2005 Georgia Smoke-free Air Act to prohibit smoking in all public places and workplaces in the City of Savannah. An evaluation of the smoke-free ordinance was conducted to describe overall reaction to the ordinance, examine ordinance enforcement successes and challenges, and to estimate ordinance impact on (a) customers' likelihood of patronizing a bar or restaurant; (b) smoking behavior; and (c) business outcomes—such as revenue, number and type of customers, and employee health. Lessons learned regarding the ordinance impact on customers, employees, and owners/managers of bars and restaurants will be reviewed and discussed with workshop participants.