HEALTH DEPARTMENT COMMENDS LOCAL KEY WEST BARS FOR GOING SMOKE AND VAPE FREE

Key West, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County congratulates local Key West establishments Bourbon Street Pub and Green Parrot Bar for voluntarily going smoke and vape free. Jim Fossum, Beverage Manager and long-time employee of Green Parrot, stated, “The decision was made for the health of our customers and staff. Even for our employees that currently use tobacco, the secondhand smoke was getting really bad.”  

There are a multitude of benefits that come with implementing smokefree policies in the workplace. Not only does it protect non-smokers from exposure to secondhand smoke or vape aerosol, but it also helps those trying to quit by reducing triggers and cravings. 

Priscilla Bennett, Tobacco Prevention Program Manager for the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County, stated, “This is the beginning of a new trend. As some of Key West’s iconic locations like Bourbon Street and Green Parrot demonstrate that protecting the health of their customers and employees is a priority, it will hopefully encourage other establishments to take similar steps.” 

Tobacco Free Florida’s Quit Your Way program offers free Phone Quit, Group Quit and Web Quit services, in addition to individual tools like texting support, a Quit Guide and helpful emails. Free nicotine replacement therapy – nicotine patches, gum or lozenges – are available to tobacco users who are 18 or older, if medically appropriate.

For more information about Quit Your Way, please visit tobaccofreeflorida.com/quityourway.

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