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LESSONS LEARNED - PANEL DISCUSSION MEETING The Advisory Board of Health hosted a panel discussion on May 6,2004 at Bloomington Civic Plaza with representatives from Duluth, Olmsted County, and Eden Prairie to hear about their experiences and "lessons learned" in proposing smoke-free restaurant and bar ordinances. Panelists: Gary Eckenberg (former Duluth City Council Member and current Deputy Administrator of St. Louis County), Pat McKone (Executive Director, Greater Minnesota American Lung Association), Jean Michels (former Olmsted County Commissioner), Jan Mosman (Eden Prairie City Council Member), Diann Kirby, Moderator (Communications Administrator, City of Bloomington) Background — Smoking Ban Ordinances in Duluth, Eden Prairie, and Olmsted County Duluth — In 2000, Duluth passed a smoking ban in restaurants and bars that allowed some exemptions (e.g. hardship, smoking at certain times). Since then the ordinance has changed twice. Currently, smoking is not allowed in restaurants. If restaurants with liquor licenses meet certain requirements including a separate room separately ventilated to the outside, and no one under 18 is allowed to enter the room, smoking is permitted. The ordinance does not pertain to private clubs. This summer, a petition drive is being conducted with the intent of placing a more comprehensive smoke-free workplace proposal on a public ballotthis fall. Eden Prairie — In 2002, a workplace smoking ban was proposed and defeated. Olmsted County — In 2001, the county passed a smoking ban in all indoor areas and entrances in restaurants, but allows smoking in bars and private clubs. What are the lessons learned about moving forward with a smoking ban? Eden Prairie: � Need to focus on the health issue, not the economic issue. � Surveying the citizens would have been very helpful; the biggest opposition was from three businesses that threatened to leave. • Do it right away (don't draw out the process). � Many private businesses are going smoke-free because of lawsuit concerns. � Many employers view employees of bars and restaurants as temporary workers. � Supporters need to be "out there" in the community. Duluth: � Keep it simple; focus on secondhand smoke as a public health issue. � Government's role is to protectthe public if the private sector will not. . Avoid strategies to delay actions (i.e., setting up more task forces to study issue). . Organized grassroots efforts are very important; make sure the public health and medical community are involved. . Recommend no exemptions, exceptions, or compromises. . All employees should have equal protection from secondhand smoke. . Think like the opposition; make sure there are rebuttals. ��