Policy Position on Smoke Free Indoor Workplaces

Approved by TUW Board of Directors on April 20, 2006

Whereas, Trident United Way is launching a Health and Wellness initiative dedicated to improving the health of all area citizens, and

Whereas, smoking is the leading preventable cause of death and disability in the nation and the region, and

Whereas, second-hand smoke in public places jeopardizes the health and wellness of those exposed to such smoke, especially those who work in such places, and

Whereas an increasing number of progressive states and communities around the nation are enacting laws prohibiting indoor smoking in all places accessible to the public, and

Whereas extensive surveys and research in many communities demonstrates that smoking bans do not cause serious financial hardship for local businesses and may actually enhance the overall business climate in the community,

"In the interest of protecting and improving the health of all area residents it is the public policy position of Trident United Way that county and municipal governments should enact smoke-free ordinances that prohibit indoor smoking in workplaces and other indoor locations accessible to the public."