Keeping New York Smokefree: Countering Challenges

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Keeping New York Smokefree Countering Challenges

• Russell C. Sciandra, Director
• Center for a Tobacco Free New York
• russ.sciandra_at_cancer.org

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Timeline of Major Events

• August 12, 2002 Mayor Bloomberg proposes
  prohibiting smoking in all worksites, including
  restaurants and bars
• December 30, 2002 Mayor signs Smoke Free Air
  Act
• March 24, 2003 NYS Legislature passes and
  Governor signs Clean Indoor Air Act
• March 30, 2003 NYC law takes effect
• July 24, 2003 NYS law takes effect
• March 8, 2004 Ventilation bill introduced
• June 24, 2004 Ventilation bill defeated

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Major Opponents

• Pre-enactment
• Tobacco companies
• Empire State Restaurant Tavern Assn.
• Post-enactment
• Tobacco companies
• Empire State Restaurant Tavern Assn.
• NYC Night Life Assn.

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Opposition Resources 7/03 6/04

• Altria - 507,411 (plus 329,250 local)
• RJR - 177,150
• B W - 225,255
• Lorillard - 133,521
• ESRTA - 133,750
• NYCNA - 117,463
• 1,623,800

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Oppositions Inside/Outside Strategy

• INSIDE
• Lobbying
• Ventilation
• Economic Impact Study
• OUTSIDE
• PR Campaign Adverse Impact on Bars
• Litigation

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This was largely a battle over public opinion
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Our Counter Strategy

• INSIDE
• Lobbying
• Refute Ventilation Claims
• Refute Economic Impact Claims
• Demonstrate Public Support and Compliance
• OUTSIDE
• Promote Health Benefits
• Demonstrate Public Support