The Passing of a Comprehensive
Clean Indoor Air Ordinance in
In July 2001, the El Paso City Council passed a clean indoor
air ordinance for all public places.
This ordinance went into effect on
Policy Initiation
Two groups were very interested in reviving a 1997 failed effort to enact a strong clean indoor air ordinance. These were the Smokefree Paso Del Norte Health Coalition and the El Paso County Health and Environmental District. These groups revived the effort and started activity towards passing of the ordinance the same year it became law.
Public Health Agency Roles
The El Paso County Health and Environment District officially wrote and recommended the comprehensive ordinance to the City Council. It also supported the efforts of other agencies by educating city officials on the hazards of secondhand smoke. After the ordinance passed, the health department provided information packets and window stickers/signs for business owners to display informing the public about the new ordinance and in compliance with its requirements.
Major Partners
In addition to the two agencies who initiated the effort as noted above, other partners included the Paso Del Norte Health Foundation, the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association; Texas Tech School of Medicine; the University of Texas at El Paso, Thomason Hospital, the Texas Department of Health; the YMCA, and a number of local community health clinics and minority groups.
Official Support
The Mayor Pro-Tem of
Results from the Policy
The Paso Del Norte Health Foundation is tracking results following enactment of the policy. Results to date include:
· The adult smoking rate has dropped from 22% to 18%.
· 80% of El Pasoans support the ordinance.
· 93% of El Pasoans say the ordinance protects customers and employees from secondhand smoke.
· 25% dine out more frequently.
·
One in 20
Lessons Learned
Lessons learned from the enactment of this policy include:
· Policy makers must be educated about the secondhand smoke issue and health care costs to the community.
· There must be a currently elected legislative champion to help with the process.
· You must understand the legislative process in your jurisdiction to make sure you have the proper documentation to avoid the ordinance being called back for minor errors or oversights.
· The coalition has to be kept informed of the process on an ongoing basis and be prepared to respond to opposition.
· Many ‘deals’ are made outside of formal meetings and you need to make sure you present for all such discussions.
· Talk with groups outside the health community and have them join the coalition.
Submitted By
Rebecca Zima, BS, CHES
Regional Coordinator – Tobacco Prevention and Control
Texas Department of State Health Services
401 E. Franklin –
915-834-7775
(fax) 915-834-7844