Smoke-Free Air Act training for poker, bar establishments this Friday

The Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., Division of Public Health extends an invitation to all poker room and bar managers, or a designee, in the CNMI for an educational training on Public Law 16-46 or the Smoke-Free Air Act of 2008 and PL 19-32. The event will take place on July 15 from 9:30am to 12pm at Kanoa Resort’s Latte Stone Room. Lunch will be provided.

CHCC, DPH, is tasked with the education and enforcement of Smoke-Free Air Act of 2008. Commonwealth law generally prohibits smoking (and this includes electronic cigarettes) in government buildings, public places, and places of employment. The Act also prohibits a person who owns, operates, or manages a place of employment from allowing patrons to smoke in the establishment. Businesses where smoking is prohibited under the law must post “No Smoking” signs at every entrance, remove all ashtrays, notify and inform all existing and potential employees that smoking is prohibited, inform patrons and customers that smoking on the premises is prohibited, and refuse service to a person who does not refrain from smoking.

In an effort to raise awareness amongst the community, DPH is providing educational materials along with free “No Smoking” signs while supplies last to CNMI businesses. Margarita Torres Aldan, the director of Public Health Services, states, “DPH looks forward to collaborating with the local business community on this education effort. We want to provide the education and support needed to ensure compliance with the law. We hope to be a resource on a smoke-free workplace to all businesses and will continue to pursue compliance with the Smoke-Free Air Act in the CNMI.”

“Secondhand smoke is dangerous to anyone who breathes it in. Through mutual understanding of the Act, the Non-Communicable Disease Bureau (NCDB) wants to ensure the health and well-being of each business’ employees and patrons,” the Non-Communicable Disease Bureau Administrator (NCDB), Becky Robles says.

Poker room and bar management who would like to attend this event should confirm attendance by July 12 by emailing Jessica Lorfing at jlorfing@hawaii.edu or by calling the Division of Public Health at (670) 236-7827.

Individuals and businesses interested in learning more about the Smoke-Free Air Act of 2008 can visit www.reachcnmi.wix.com/reach or email the REACH Local Project Assistant, Jessica Lorfing, at jlorfing@hawaii.edu for educational materials and “No Smoking” signs.