 |
Collection of Statewide
Data on Restaurant Smoking Policies – 11/2/06
Q: Does anyone have a suggestion or example
of how they collect statewide data on smoking policies in
restaurants? In the past, we have relied on data collected
by local health department environmentalists during routine
inspections of retail food establishments. However, we have
had difficulties ensuring the data that is collected truthfully
reflects smoking policies of restaurants, and, therefore,
are currently unable to use this source. We are looking into
the feasibility of using another source and would appreciate
ideas of what those sources could be.
A:
- Colorado: In Colorado, GASP has worked
to collect the information through different avenues and
develop a statewide database. Contact Pete Bialick at 303.444.9799
or by email at gasporg@mcleodusa.net.
- Illinois: Click to access Illinois'
Restaurant Recognition Program. Though it's voluntary,
local health department staff will periodically check to
assure the facility is smoke-free or respond to complaints
that persons are smoking in a smoke-free establishment.
Illinois overturned pre-exemption, so hopefully this will
lead to a statewide ban. In the meantime, those counties
that have smoke-free policies will be designated as such
and not list all the restaurants.
- Michigan: Michigan contracts with the
Michigan Citizens for Smokefree Air to conduct a survey
via mail to all restaurants to determine smoking status.
We do not ask for a copy of their policy. This information
is used to compile a web-based guide
to smoke-free restaurants that is available by county.
There are definitely challenges however in doing a mail-in
survey. We have local tobacco reduction coalitions that
also help us to keep our list updated if they know of any
restaurants in their area that have smoke-free policies.
- New Hampshire: (two responses, a &
b) – a.) In New Hampshire we prioritized this a few
years ago and collected information via telephone survey
and field surveillance by local coalitions. We are working
with them on face-to-face interviews to assess current policy
and provide best practice policy. b.) New Hampshire refers
you to the New Hampshire American Lung Association: katherine@nhlung.org.
- Wyoming: (two responses, a & b) –
a.) Wyoming utilizes the community-based tobacco prevention
program members to collect data in their areas. The survey
process is managed by Wyoming statistical analysis Center.
Contact: Laura Feldman at lfeldman@uwyo.edu.
b.) In Wyoming we visit every restaurant through our community
tobacco prevention and control programs. Currently we have
a very well funded statewide program. However, back when
we first started the project, we asked volunteers to visit
the restaurants for us. Of course, Wyoming has only about
1/2 million people. We have been able to show that there
has been a significant change of policy over time from less
than half to about 80%!
The 2006 Restaurant Report will be soon be posted at
http://www.uwyo.edu/wysac/HealthEducation/Tobacco/TobaccoReports.aspx
The 2004 report will be helpful for now. There is also information
at
http://wdh.state.wy.us/SAD/SmokeFreeDining.asp
If you need information about the "volunteers"
survey, email jjares@state.wy.us.
Back to Table of Contents
|
|
