Tobacco Use Reduction Now (TURN)
Tobacco Sponsorship at Public and Private Events
Over 65% of San Bernardino County adults think tobacco sponsorship of sporting and cultural events should be banned. Tobacco companies use sponsorships to enhance their image, get product exposure, and reach future customers. In 2001, nearly 65% of San Bernardino County youth reported seeing a lot of ads for cigarettes or chewing tobacco when they went to sports events, fairs, or community events.
Enforcement of State Smoke-Free Workplace Law
Compliance with State Laws that Ban Tobacco Sales to Minors
Over 60% of San Bernardino County adults think sales to minors laws are not well enforced.
Diseases from tobacco use are the number one preventable cause of death, but they don’t have to be. In 1990, San Bernardino County had the highest smoking rate in California. Since then, Tobacco Use Reduction Now (TURN), community partners, and the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free San Bernardino County have worked together to make a difference. San Bernardino County is one of the top ten counties with the most dramatic decrease in tobacco use in California since 1990.
State law prohibits smoking in most workplaces. In 2003, employees and customers complained to TURN about smoking in over 40 businesses. Enforcement officers investigated these complaints. As a result, many business owners have had to pay fines to the courts. The public is encouraged to report businesses that allow smoking
to TURN. If the business is not in an area enforced by the county, TURN will refer the complaint to the
proper law enforcement agency. TURN provides training and assistance to strengthen the effectiveness of local law enforcement efforts.
Smoke-Free Outdoor Recreation Policies
The cities of Redlands, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, and Grand Terrace have started a trend in San Bernardino County toward smoke-free outdoor recreation areas. All or part of their outdoor areas have been designated smoke-free including parks, bleachers, playgrounds, sports stadiums, and community recreation fields. TURN will help cities review their tobacco policies, and make suggestions for improvements.
In a 2003 undercover survey, 31.4% of San Bernardino County stores illegally sold tobacco to minors. In 2002, the illegal sales rate of tobacco to minors reached 19.3% for California. If the statewide average goes above 20%, California could lose up to 40% of it’s federal drug and alcohol prevention and treatment funds. San Bernardino County would lose over $4 million.
Self-Service Policies for all Tobacco Products
The cities of Colton, San Bernardino, Redlands, and Rancho Cucamonga ban self-service displays of all tobacco products. San Bernardino County may soon follow in their footsteps. Easy access to tobacco is one key to higher smoking rates. In 1999, smoking was estimated to cost residents of the county $490 in direct health care costs and lost productivity. By helping cities update their tobacco policies, TURN will work to reduce this cost.
Tobacco Use Reduction Now
351 N. Mt. View Ave.
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0010
1-800-637-6653
turn@dph.sbcounty.gov
Funded by California’s Tobacco Tax Initiative prop 99
E-Subscriptions
