New study shows bar air is cleaner following South Bend smoking ordinance

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – A new study shows that the city’s smoking ordinance has dramatically made a difference in the quality of air that bar employees and patrons breathe.

The ordinance nixed smoking in bars and restaurants, starting on January 2nd of this year.

The study conducted by Smoke Free St. Joe monitored nine different bars throughout the city.

According to the study, the quality of the air inside these bars has improved by 92 percent since the ordinance went into effect, inching closer to the EPA’s average pollutant levels.

“The air is definitely cleaner in South Bend…and the results couldn’t be clearer. Workers who are protected by comprehensive smoke free air ordinances, such as the one in South Bend, are definitely safer and healthier,” said Tony Flora, President of the North Central Indiana AFL-CIO Chapter.

The group hopes that local leaders in other St. Joseph County cities will notice the benefits of the ordinance and implement the same smoke-free policies.