SATFC staff will work with your organization or business to design signs for your property. Contact us to learn more about this free service: 581-1230 or email.  

Visit our sign gallery for tobacco free grounds 

 As public tolerance for secondhand smoke (SHS) decreases, the desire for smoke-free environments, even outdoors, has increased leading to a trend that prohibits tobacco use in:

   Entryways   
 Beaches 
 Parks 
 Recreational fields
 Playgrounds
Municipal grounds 
Business grounds

 Why Clean Outdoor Air?

• Litter - cigarette butts are not only unsightly; they contain over 165 chemicals, are not biodegradable and are harmful to the environment. They can also be picked up by wildlife and children playing in parks and beaches.
  
   
• Decreases SHS smoke exposure – secondhand smoke is not just a nuisance, it is a Class ‘A’ Carcinogen. 
  
   
• The U.S. Surgeon General has concluded that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
  
   
• Sets a good example for youth – prohibiting tobacco use can have a positive effect on the lifestyle choices of our youth.
  
   
• Prohibiting tobacco use in city owned parks, playgrounds, beaches, pools, etc. shows leadership and commitment to community health.
  
   
• Recent survey shows strong local support for smoke-free outdoor venues. Read the report

   SATFC Community Survey     
Spring 2009

 

 (Click on thumbnail to enlarge)

  Recreational Grounds

Southern Adirondack Tobacco Free Coalition can provide the following to assist your town, city or village in going tobacco free with recreational grounds:

• Technical assistance in identifying steps to establishing tobacco free grounds policies at recreation sites
• Signage to be posted at all locations identified by the town
• Communication materials that can be shared through the school district, coaches and community groups that can educate the community of the policy change
• Meet with the Recreation committee & director to answer questions involving implementation
• Up to 50 t-shirts that can be worn by recreation staff, referees or umpires to promote tobacco free policy: "Playing Hard, Breathing Easy at Town or Village of ___________."
• Draft press releases to promote new policy with the media and thereby educating the community of the policy.

 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are local governments able to enact policies restricting tobacco use?
A: State law does not prohibit local governments from regulating tobacco use outdoors. The NYS Clean Indoor Air Act allows local government to adopt more restrictive tobacco free policies.

Q: What is the difference between a policy and an ordinance?
A: In general, tobacco-free park/beach policies are rules regarding city-owned park property that may be established by the city park board or board of recreation. They are approved by the city council. Generally, those who ignore park policies do not receive a fine, but are asked to refrain from using tobacco or leave the premises.
City ordinances are city council enactments that regulate people or property and carry a penalty such as a fine for violations.

Q: Should our policy cover all properties and activities or just youth events?
A: “All Property” policies are simpler for citizens to understand whereas policies for “youth events” only can be subject to interpretation.

Q: Will smokers comply with the tobacco-free policy?
A: As a result of clean air laws and tobacco policies, many tobacco users have become accustomed to restrictions.
Signs, posted at parks and beaches empower everyone using these recreation areas to enforce the policy through friendly reminders. A comprehensive policy includes provisions to deal with persistent violators. Willful and consistent violation of the policy can result in losing the privilege of using public parks, beach es and other recreation areas.

Q: Do tobacco-free policies at parks and beaches effect youth tobacco use?
A: Research has not been completed on this particular topic, but in general, tobacco-free policies help prevent youth tobacco use, particularly by providing adults the opportunity to be tobacco-free role models throughout the community.

Q: What other outdoor tobacco restrictions exist in New York State?
A: Outdoor tobacco use restrictions are becoming more common. Hospitals across New York State are adopting tobacco free campus policies that restrict smoking and other tobacco use on their properties including grounds, parking areas and buildings. Elementary and secondary school grounds in New York State have been smoke-free zones since 1994. Many businesses, organizations and governmental agencies have adopted policies restricting tobacco use within a specified distance from building entryways.

Q: Why include all forms of tobacco?
A: Protecting the public from second-hand smoke is usually the most common reason for adopting a tobacco-free policy however; changing community norms about tobacco use, may play a significant role in reducing use rates. The dangers of smoking and other tobacco products such as chew and spit tobacco are well documented.
 

Look Who Got Involved!

Smoke-Free Parks and/or Beaches:

Town of Moreau

Town of Queensbury

City of Glens Falls

Town of Wilton, Gavin Park

Village of Fort Edward

Town of Fort Edward

Village of Hudson Falls

Town of Bolton

Smoke-Free Grounds/Entryways:

Town of Queensbury Municipal Grounds

Saratoga Springs Public Library

Town of Bolton Municipal Grounds

Hadley-Luzerne Public Library

Warren County Fair

Washington County Fair

Crandall Public Library

Saratoga Springs YMCA

The Great Escape

A Child's World, Inc.

Glens Falls Hospital

Capital District YMCA Southern Saratoga County Branch

TreePaad Fun Center

Twin Scoops

West Glens Falls Emergency Squad

YMCA Camp Chingachgook

Croc-A-Gators

 Saratoga Hospital