FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2010

Statewide Smoke-free Law Well Received by Restaurants and Customers

Data released today from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) shows as of November 4th the state has received only 524 non-compliance reports since the state’s smoke-free law took effect in July.  (For details, visit http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/tobacco/)

“The smoke-free law has been very well received by restaurants and customers, so we’re not surprised by the high compliance rate.” said Pete Hanson, Director of Government Relations for the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.  “Overall the restaurants we’ve talked to are happy with the smoke free law and indicated that they wouldn’t go back, even if they could.”

The Wisconsin Restaurant Association board of directors voted overwhelmingly in 2007 to support a state smoke free law to level the playing field for all businesses. 

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Since 1933, the Wisconsin Restaurant Association has been dedicated to the promotion, protection and improvement of the foodservice industry.