The tobacco industry uses a number of tactics to prevent local communities from passing smoke free ordinances. Many of these tactics involve attempts to promote policies aimed at "accommodating" both smokers and non-smokers.
	The tobacco industry's latest strategy, Red Light-Green Light, has shown up in many communities around the country, most recently in Duluth, MN. Red Light Green Light policies restrict smoking in only a few public places or restrict smoking during only certain hours of the day.
	The tobacco industry proposes Red Light-Green Light policies as an alternative to strong, 100 percent smoke free policies.

The Facts

	Provisions that limit smoking to certain hours of the day make it extremely difficult to enforce the ordinance and to impact the behaviors of the patrons of these establishments.
	The key to successful smoke free laws are the removal of visual smoking cues, such as ashtrays, and the posting of "No Smoking" signs. These activities are impossible when smoking is allowed during certain hours.
	Red Light-Green Light provisions do not afford all employees and all patrons the protection they deserve from secondhand smoke. Employees who work the shifts during which smoking is allowed and patrons who choose to dine during the time which smoking is allowed will be disproportionately exposed to secondhand smoke.
	Secondhand smoke does not quickly clear from a room. It takes about two weeks for nicotine to clear from a room where smoking has occurred. This fact diminishes the health impact of an ordinance with a red light-green light provision.