KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Public Health - Seattle & King County, the Washington State TeenLine and Seattle Public Schools are gathering local youth organizations to promote clean indoor air and the local state campaign, "Tobacco Smokes You" and "Secondhand Smokes You," during the Sonics game tonight at Key Arena.

When: Today, March 4th, 7:00 p.m.

Where: Key Arena, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle

Approximately 200 youth anti-tobacco advocates will occupy the 200 section (upper section) of Key Arena holding signs and banners promoting clean indoor air and encouraging their peers not to smoke. There will also be anti-tobacco commercials running on the large Jumbotron screen featuring the latest of the "Tobacco Smokes You" series of ads from the State Department of Health. "If we can help counter the messages they see from the tobacco industry and stem tobacco use, we can save lives and significant health care costs," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County.

Smoke-free policies play a crucial role in reducing secondhand smoke exposure. Key Arena currently has an indoor smoke-free policy. Currently the Washington Clean Indoor Air Act RCW 70.160 allows bars, taverns, bowling alleys, tobacco shops and restaurants to have smoking sections. "The implied preemption in the current state law has effectively limited local communities from passing tough restrictions limiting exposure to secondhand smoke. In absence of a change in state law, we must rely on educational efforts and voluntary compliance to reduce secondhand smoke in establishments," said Plough.

For more information about tobacco prevention in King County, please visit Public Health's Tobacco Prevention website at www.metrokc.gov/health/tobacco.