Evaluation of Wyoming’s First Smoke free Ordinance (in Laramie, WY)

1. Evaluation of Wyoming’s First Smoke free Ordinance (in Laramie, WY) Presented by Laura L. Feldman, Ed. S. Senior Research Scientist Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center University of Wyoming March 25, 2008

2. Background • In November 2005, in a referendum, 51.5% of Laramie, WY voters supported Ordinance 1650 which prohibited smoking in all enclosed areas to which the public has access, including restaurants, bars, and private clubs. • Ordinance 1650 was Wyoming’s first smoke free ordinance; it became law on April 6, 2005. • The University of Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center (WYSAC) conducted and continues to conduct numerous studies on the social, economic, and health impacts of Ordinance 1650. • Process • Outcome

3. Evaluation Plan • Documentary film • Lighting Up Debate: Wyoming’s First Smoke free Community • Health effects • Air Monitoring Study--37 hospitality venues before and after ordinance was passed • Bar Patron Cotinine– measured urine cotinine levels in nonsmokers in hospitality venues before and after the ordinance passed • Economic impacts—semi-annual reports on monthly sales tax receipts from restaurants and bars in Albany County vs. other economically similar Wyoming counties • Public support –based on three attitudinal surveys • 02/2005 – before the ordinance passed • 07/2005 – about 2 months after the ordinance passed • 02/2006 – 1 year after the first survey, 10 months after the ordinance passed

4. Lighting Up Debate • Chronicles the events preceding the passage of the ordinance and discusses changes one year later. • Presents interviews with health advocates, bar owners, and other local leaders from the social movements that arose on both sides of the issue. • Uses footage from Laramie City Council meetings to document how both sides framed the debate over the proposed ordinance. • Reviews local newspaper coverage of events surrounding the debate and portrays the social context within which the proposed ban was discussed. • http://www.uwyo.edu/wysac/HealthEducation/Tobacco/Multimedia.aspx

5. Air Quality – Air Monitoring Study WYSAC assessed indoor air quality at 37 hospitality venues (bars, restaurants, pool halls, etc.) in Laramie and Cheyenne. Laramie indoor air pollution decreased by 94% after Ordinance 1650. Cheyenne’s levels of indoor air pollution were twenty times higher than the levels found in smoke free Laramie after implementation of the ordinance. EPA annual limit is 1.8 hours/day at 197 EPA annual limit is 2 hours/day at 178 No EPA annual limit

6. Air Quality – Cotinine Study Thirteen non-smoking subjects visited five bars and a bowling alley in Laramie before and after Ordinance 1650. Cotinine in their urine (indicating exposure to tobacco smoke) was measured before and after each visit. Cotinine absorption dropped by 89% after Ordinance 1650. Projected number of deaths from secondhand smoke among full-time, career hospitality workers was nine times higher before the ordinance.

7. Economic Impact Studies • WYSAC uses monthly sales tax receipts from restaurants and bars from July 2003 through July 2007 to measure economic activity in Albany County. • Using regression analysis, we compare economic activity in Laramie with similar Wyoming cities that do not have smoking ordinances. • The statistical analysis accounts for time trends, seasonality, inflation, and local and statewide economic conditions.

8. No Net Economic Impact Albany County Restaurant and Bar Activity

9. Measuring Public Support WYSAC conducted representative telephone surveys of Laramie adults in February 2005, July 2005, and February 2006 (pre- and post-ordinance). Between February 2005 and February 2006, on every variable, support for the ordinance either improved or showed no significant change.

10. Other Attitudinal Changes in Public Support • A 13% increase among respondents who thought the ordinance would have a positive impact on Laramie’s health. • A 13% increase among respondents who felt that Laramie residents should have the “right to have smoke free air in public businesses.” • A 12% increase among respondents who would choose a restaurant that was totally non-smoking over a restaurant that had designated smoking areas or that allowed smoking in all areas of the restaurant. • Overall, those who were unhappy with the ordinance decreased by 15 percentage points, and those who were happy with the ordinance increased by 13 percentage points.

11. Lessons Learned • Public Support • Most requested data; additional data show profiles of ordinance supporters • Economic Impact • Most challenged; no economic impact at aggregate level does not necessarily mean no impact at level of individual establishments • Air Quality • Most dramatic; easiest for general public “to see” change • Personal Stories (e.g., nonsmoking wait staff with lung cancer) • Most influential; seems to outweigh data

12. Contact Information Laura L. Feldman, Ed. S. Senior Research Scientist University of Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center (WYSAC) (307) 399-1914 lfeldman@uwyo.edu For full reports on these studies, please see http://www.uwyo.edu/wysac/