Two Month-Old Smoking Ban Produces Results In Minnesota

December 11, 2007 9:08 a.m. EST

St. Paul, MN (AHN) - Just a little over two months in force, Minnesota's state-wide smoking ban is producing some results. After the smoking prohibition took effect on October 2007, enrollment in telephone hotline counseling service went up by 43 percent, while sales of over-the-counter nicotine alternatives tripled.

According to the state's Blue Cross and Blue Shield, a month prior to the smoking ban implementation and on its first 31 days, 525 local residents called the hotline to seek counseling on how to deal with their nicotine addiction.

Other health providers reported similar spikes in demand for counseling services. Medica, the state's second biggest health plan, reported a 40 percent rise in people seeking help. ClearWay Minnesota, an anti-tobacco group, said 693 Minnesotans listed for its web-based program on October.

So far there are 22 states that have smoke-free laws prohibiting smoking in all work places and public establishments including restaurants and bars. State health experts said when the legislation was passed, its main target were young adults between the ages 18 to 24, of which 36 percent smoked, double the rate for older adults.

Minnesota is the 20th state to pass an anti-smoking law. The bill went through 19 committee hearings and more than 100 amendments until Governor Tim Pawlenty signed it into a law.