Almost half of Bergen County restaurants are already smoke-free. There are more New Jerseyans who are non-smokers (85%) than smokers. A statewide Eagleton Poll (2000) shows that 67% of all New Jerseyans want restaurants to be smoke-free.
The many benefits of adopting a smoke-free policy include decreased insurance costs (fire, property, life and health); decreased employee absenteeism and lost productivity; decreased air cooling, heating, and ventilation costs; less damage to restaurant property; and the opportunity to create a better image - “We care about our customers and their health.”
Assistance in developing a smoke-free policy can be requested. Cost-free marketing opportunities are available to smoke-free restaurants through listings in the Smoke-free Dining in Bergen County Directory and New Jersey GASP’s 100% Smokefree Dining in New Jersey Directory.
For more information on the advantages of operating a smoke-free restaurant and assistance on adopting a smoke-free policy, contact the Health Promotion Resource Center at healthdept@co.bergen.nj.us or (201) 634-2704 to request a copy of "Is Smoke-Free Dining on Your Menu? Guide to the Benefit of Smoke-Free Dining in Bergen County."
