The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: The International Institute of Rhode Island (IIRI) primarily serves refugee/immigrant populations in one of the most diverse and economically strained areas in Rhode Island. The IIRI provides a broad range of services ranging from tobacco control initiatives to citizenship classes, and more. In an effort to support Rhode Island's initiative to pass a smokefree law, the IIRI launched a plan for reconnaissance of attitudes toward smokefree laws among owners of restaurants, bars, and eateries.

Methods: A survey of 347 restaurants, bars, and eateries was conducted both to identify voluntary smokefree establishments and to assess the general attitude toward a smokefree law. Of the 347 participating businesses, 35 business owners agreed to a videotaped interview, which was formatted and converted into the documentary entitled “Smoke Screens.” “Smoke Screens” has been used for continued education efforts and was shown at the Human Rights Film Festival, cable access TV, and local presentations.

Results: Following this project, the IIRI tobacco control program worked closely with the Providence City Council members to introduce a resolution in support of banning smoking in local restaurants and bars in the Providence area. In addition, information gathered through this reconnaissance contributed to collaborative efforts to outreach to local businesses in the Providence area. Finally, this information was used to organize a meeting for 4200 invited businesses in preparation for the public places and workplace law that was successfully passed in the state of Rhode Island in 2004.