Return to
homepage
A non-profit resource center dedicated to smokefree air and tobacco-free lives |
 |
NJ SFAA Top Tips for Implementation
It's the smoking, not the smoker. Remembering this can help you think clearly and communicate cleanly. For instance, people who smoke are welcome. Smoking isn't. If an employee takes too much time away from work to smoke, treat it as you would any other abuse of break time. If smokers complain you're making them go outside into the cold or heat or rain, recognize it's their nicotine addiction that is "driving them outside".
People don't like to be told what to do. So, instead of telling people not to smoke, or to step outside, just tell them, "It's against the law to smoke indoors in New Jersey." Most people can figure out how to respond to that fact.
To handle
resistant smokers, just cite the law and don't get drawn into arguments.
Use the "broken record" assertiveness technique, for a dialogue
like this: "Sir, it's against the law to smoke indoors in New Jersey."
"Really?" "Yes, we're covered by the new smokefree air
law." "But I just lit up." "It's illegal to smoke
here." "Are you telling me to put it out?" "The law
makes indoor places smokefree and requires me to tell patrons about the
law." "Do you want me to leave?" "No, you're very
welcome. But New Jersey law makes this place smokefree."
Please note: The information presented on this website is not intended as, nor to be construed, or used, as legal advice, and should not be used to replace the advice of your legal counsel.
updated January 29, 2010
This information is created by the Tobacco Control Policy and Legal Resource Center of New Jersey GASP, which provides expert information, guidance, and technical assistance about policy, legislation, and litigation, especially regarding smokefree air. Major funding for this service is provided by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJ DHSS).The information presented on this website is not intended as, nor to be construed, or used, as legal advice, and should not be used to replace the advice of your legal counsel.