Restaurants and bars in Western New York and New York State took a great step in 2003 with the adoption of the Clean Indoor Air Act (CIAA).  Employees who were exposed to customers’ smoke during their shift now work in a healthier environment.   Customers who wished to enjoy their meal or a drink without the annoyance of drifting smoke are finding their dining experience much more pleasant.

Today, the Coalition is working with restaurant and bar owners with outdoor gathering space – whether it is a sit-down patio, an awning or just a fenced in area – to consider extending the ban on smoking to cover all of their gathering areas or even their entire property.  More recent studies have shown that second-hand smoke in an outdoor setting adjacent to a bar or restaurant has a negative impact on customers and employees.

The Coalition has created a pilot program which includes a stipend for establishments who voluntarily establish a smoke-free policy for their outdoor areas.  Several area restaurants have already signed on to make their outdoor areas smoke-free. Free signage and educational literature will also be provided along with table tents that offer quit-smoking information for the smoker. 

 If you are a restaurant owner or manager and would like more information on making your outdoor area smoke-free, email us or call 716.845.1615.