WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/07/2010) - Smokers in Wisconsin will be unable to light up in the workplace state-wide by state law beginning next month. The new Wisconsin Smoke-Free Workplace Law will go into effect July 5th. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says radio, print, and internet advertising is in the works to educate people about the new law. The law is designed to help workers quit smoking and to protect customers and non-smokers from inhaling second hand smoke in restaurants and other consumer frequented businesses.

Department of Health Services Secretary Karen Timberlake announced the kick-off
of a new statewide multi-media campaign to promote and educate the public about Wisconsin’s new smoke-free workplace law, which takes effect July 5th.

"Starting July 5th, Wisconsin’s workers will no longer have to choose between their health and a paycheck" said Secretary Timberlake.

"In addition, Wisconsin families will be able to enjoy a night out without having to worry about being exposed to the health hazards of secondhand smoke,” Timberlake said.

The campaign, entitled "Wisconsin is Better Smoke-Free", includes radio, print, and online ads. The ads focus on the positive effects of the law and remind Wisconsinites about its fast-approaching implementation date.

In addition to attempting to generate excitement for the upcoming law, ads also remind smokers that the law provides a great opportunity for smokers to quit.

All campaign components are tagged with the website WIBetterSmokeFree.com.

The new website includes information on the law, photos, videos, and resources for businesses preparing for the change.

The campaign launches the week of June 7th and runs through much of July.

Special radio ads featuring Governor Jim Doyle will also run as part of the campaign in addition to the general "Wisconsin is Better Smoke-Free" radio ads.

"I want to thank partners like the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, SmokeFree Wisconsin, FACT, and especially our community coalitions and ethnic networks for their hard work and commitment to helping Wisconsinites statewide prepare for this law", Secretary Timberlake said.

"I'd also like to acknowledge Knupp & Watson & Wallman for their outstanding work on this media campaign," Timberlake added.

For information about tobacco control efforts in Wisconsin, visit http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/tobacco.

Smokers looking to quit should call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or talk to their health care provider.