Local businesses to be recognized for smoke-free environments

Being smoke-free is part of the business model for awardees

RENO, NV – Smoke-free environments are more in demand now than ever.  For many local businesses it makes sense to be smoke-free.  The Washoe County Health District’s Chronic Disease Prevention Program (CDPP) works to empower Washoe County businesses and communities to be tobacco free. As part of this effort CDPP recognizes businesses that provide smoke-free environments for customers, visitors, and employees by awarding them with the Extra Mile Award. 

The Extra Mile Award honors businesses that have gone above and beyond the requirements of the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act making the conscious decision to go smoke-free when the law does not require them to.  The 2017 Extra Mile Awards will be presented to: 

• Carl’s – The Saloon
• Ceol Irish Pub
• Ole Bridge Pub
• Wild Island Family Adventure Park  

The Washoe County District Board of Health will publicly recognize the awardees at their monthly meeting, honoring the local businesses for exemplifying a growing movement to increase smoke-free environments.  Presentations will be made at 1p.m., Thursday, June 22, in the Washoe County Commission Chambers at 1001 East Ninth Street, Building A, Reno.

Being smoke-free is an integral part of the business model of all four awardees.  The Ole Bridge Pub has been smoke free since they opened in the spring of 2009 and when asked what made their facility decide to go smoke-free manager Cassie Pete responded with the following, “We want to appeal to everyone! There is no smoking and no gaming at our bar. It really gives it that Old World Pub feel”.  Moreover, individuals visiting the Wild Island Family Adventure Park will notice a difference when passing through Kokomo’s Island.  Scott Carothers, general manager at Wild Island updates us with the following, “At Wild Island, we’re dedicated to providing our customers with the absolute best family experience possible. After listening to guest feedback, we knew it was time to prohibit smoking from the Kokomo’s Island inside the park. Guests can now step outside the park gates to a designated smoking area in our parking lot. We hope these measures increase guest satisfaction at the park”.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to secondhand smoke from burning tobacco products causes disease and premature death among nonsmokers.  “There is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure; secondhand smoke can be harmful in many ways including causing heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases”, said Washoe County District Health Officer Kevin Dick.

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

#  #  #