Local hospitality venues to be honored for smoke-free environments

Smoke-free indoor recreational space attracts solid customer base

RENO, NV – The Washoe County District Board of Health will honor three local service-industry businesses with the 2016 Hospitality Hero Awards for providing smoke-free environments for residents, visitors, and employees. As part of Washoe County Health District Chronic Disease Prevention Program activities, the Hospitality Hero Awards will be presented to:

• The Whitney Peak Hotel  http://www.whitneypeakhotel.com/
• The Stick Sports Lounge  http://thestickreno.com/
• Our Bar  http://ourbarreno.com/

The Washoe County District Board of Health will publicly recognize the awardees at their monthly meeting at 1 p.m., on June 23, honoring the local businesses for exemplifying a growing movement to increase smoke-free hospitality venues. The demand for non-smoking venues is increasing because, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 83% of U.S. adults do not smoke. Here in Washoe County the non-smoking rates are slightly higher at 85%.

“We know that reducing exposure to second-hand smoke can prevent the incidence of heart disease, cancer, lung and pulmonary conditions, and other chronic diseases,” says Washoe County Health District Communications Manager, Phil Ulibarri. “There is an increasing demand for smoke-free recreational indoor space in our community and it is great to see local businesses taking the initiative to be smoke-free.”

Being smoke-free is an integral part of the business model of all three awardees.  The Whitney Peak Hotel credits their smoke-free environment as one aspect of their success. “A smoke-free environment is a core part of the Whitney Peak Hotel identity, setting us apart from other Reno-area hotels," says Whitney Peak Hotel Managing Director, Niki Gross. “We have found that being smoke-free – in combination with our superior guest service and unique amenities – has broad appeal, from active-lifestyle guests, families, and government agencies, to sports teams, educational institutions and the discerning business traveler. The response to our non-smoking, non-gaming hotel has been overwhelming: since opening in 2014, we have hosted more than 100,000 guests,” added Gross.

The Washoe County Health District considers the negative effects of tobacco use and exposure to be a priority health issue for the community and works with local businesses, housing professionals, and community partners to educate about and enhance smoke-free initiatives.

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