KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Tomorrow, December 8, more of King County is going smoke-free. The people of Washington State voted last month to enact Initiative 901, which expands the Clean Indoor Air Act and makes all public places and work places smoke-free.

The new law prohibits smoking in any indoor enclosed public place, including workplaces, bars, restaurants, bowling alleys, skating rinks, casinos, reception areas and most hotel rooms. There are no exceptions. The law applies everywhere, all the time.

Public Health - Seattle & King County is ready to help with compliance. For more information on the expanded Clean Indoor Air Act, including materials for businesses and public places, visit: www.metrokc.gov/health/tobacco/report.htm

To file a complaint if you see somebody smoking in an area covered by the law, visit: www.metrokc.gov/health/tobacco/smoking.htm. King County residents may also call 206-296-7613.

The 5 Spot restaurant and bar, for example, recently made its own lounge smoke free. “We really don’t see the smoke free law as an issue,” said Brenna Nardinger, bartender at The 5 Spot in Queen Anne. “Nobody’s tried to light up since we’ve gone smoke free, and if anyone did we’d simply ask them to put out their cigarette. People are compliant and follow the rules that are set.”

This Friday, December 9, the King County Board of Health will hear a briefing on the new law (www.metrokc.gov/health/news/05120201.htm) and Public Health’s tobacco prevention activities.

Now is an excellent time to quit smoking. For resources and help on quitting, visit: www.metrokc.gov/health/tobacco/quitsmoking.htm

Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for over 1.8 million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health – Seattle & King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day.

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