Bars and Restaurants

In 2005 CEE tested the air quality in 25 Twin Cities metro area bars and restaurants to assess the relationship between indoor air pollution and the presence of smoke-free ordinances. Air quality monitoring was conducted before and after the implementation of smoke-free ordinances in 25 venues in Hennepin, Ramsey and Dakota counties. The project was later extended to include monitoring in Beltrami County. This work was funded by the Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco and conducted in collaboration with the Minnesota Institute for Public Health.

Results from the monitoring included:

• The concentration of respirable particulates due to secondhand smoke showed a 99% decrease in communities that implemented a complete ban on smoking in bars and restaurants.
• After smoke-free ordinances were implemented, levels of ultrafine particulate pollution decreased by 87% in communities implementing a complete ban on smoking in bars and restaurants.
• Full-time bar and restaurant employees in communities with either a partial ordinance (Ramsey County) or no ordinance (Dakota County) continue to be exposed to levels of fine particulate air pollution that exceeds EPA limits for outdoor air. Exposure levels during the post-monitoring period were still 2.5- 3.5 times the annual limit of fine particulate air pollution recommended by the EPA.
• After smoke-free ordinances went into effect, no smoking was observed in any of the 15 venues which implemented a smoke-free ban.

For further information:

Indoor Air Quality in Bars and Restaurants Before and After Implementation of Smoke-free Ordinances in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties: Technical Summary

Press Release of Beltrami County Results

MPAAT Press Release of Irish Pub Study

Letter to Editor Regarding Filtration to Reduce Secondhand Smoke in Bars

Contact Dave Bohac at (612) 335-5866 for more information.