Research and advocacy for a smoke-free Alaska: Academic and advocate perspectives

BACKGROUND

Alaska is one of fourteen states without a statewide smoke-free law (CDC, 2014).  Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, enacted smoke-free ordinances in 2001 and 2007.  To consider a statewide smoke-free law, the American Lung Association in Alaska (ALAA) asked the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) to investigate the impact of the Anchorage clean indoor air ordinances. 

METHODS

The study was conducted between October 2013 and January 2014 with three areas of focus:

• A literature review of previous findings related to the impact of Alaska smoke-free ordinances. 
• Key informant interviews with individuals responsible for enforcing the smoke-free ordinances.
• A survey of 50 Anchorage restaurant and bar representatives’ perspectives on the smoke-free ordinances.

RESULTS

Results of both the study findings and ALAA’s use of the study to inform policymakers will be shared, including:

• Bar employment within the Municipality was 10% higher than estimated to be if the 2007 Clean Indoor Air law had not been implemented (DHSS, 2011).
• 96% of surveyed bar and restaurant representatives identified at least one benefit from the passage of the clean indoor air ordinances.
• On average, five to six organizations were investigated for smoking-related violations per year.

CONCLUSIONS

The consistency of these new findings for Anchorage, Alaska indicates agreement on the positive effects of the ordinance and acceptance by the business community.  The research, funded by the state of Alaska’s Tobacco Prevention and Control Program, will inform the business community, public, and policymakers as they consider statewide smoke-free legislation, and could positively impact public policy.