Dear Retailer;

The T-Free Zone is a community-wide program to fight tobacco addiction, so that kids never start and smokers who want to quit can succeed. We are asking all businesses owners and managers to consider how they can be part of this voluntary effort.

The three goals of our program are: (1) keep the air smoke free, (2) support smokers who want to quit, and (3) help kids overcome pressures to start smoking.

In 2007 the ATUPA record for Tompkins County was perfect — no sales to minors during compliance checks. This shows a clear commitment to helping kids stay off tobacco.

Please consider extending your commitment by participating in the T-Free Zone program.

Here are some of the ways that you can join in:

  1. Put a T-Free Zone sticker on your door to show support for the program, and to indicate a smoke free entryway for your staff and customers,
  2. Help us distribute information about quitting smoking (see the enclosed sample), and
  3. Reduce or rearrange point-of-sale tobacco promotions and displays, especially signs visible from outside your store.

Reducing or rearranging tobacco signs can also improve your store’s curb appeal, improve clerk safety and visibility, and discourage minors from attempting tobacco purchases.

Enclosed are T-Free Zone stickers, a sample of quit smoking materials we can provide for you to display, and a pledge form to register your commitment to one or more aspects of the T-Free Zone program.

Your interest and support of the T-Free Zone program is very important, and your voluntary participation is appreciated. Please call me if you have any questions or comments.

With my sincere thanks,

 

Ted Schiele, Coordinator
Tobacco Free Tompkins
607-274-6712 • tschiele@tompkins-co.org

 

Pledge of Support

The T-Free Zone program encourages a community environment where:

(1) the air is smoke free,
(2) smokers who want to quit have a better chance to succeed, and
(3) teens and young adults have a better chance to be and stay tobacco free.

To support a healthier community today and so the next generations may be smoke free;

I (We) Pledge a Commitment To:

(  Check all that apply)

(1) Provide smoke free outdoor areas
by establishing T-Free Zone(s):

 At our main entrance.
 At exits, docks and service doors.
 At outdoor picnic and pedestrian areas.

(2) Support smokers who want to quit
by having information or resources about quitting smoking:

 Available for employees.
 On display for clients or customers.

(3) Discourage underage purchase and encourage youth to stay tobacco free
by taking one or more steps to reduce or rearrange point-of-sale advertising:

 Minimize the number and size of tobacco ads and signs visible from outside the store
 Minimize the number and size of tobacco signs and promotions displayed inside the store
 Eliminate signs within 5 ft. of candy or toys, and lower than 5 ft. off the floor

 

Business
Signature

 

Date
Name
Title
Address
 
Phone
Email

 

 Check here if this is a Confidential Pledge. The organization will not be identified in public announcements or media. The organization will be included in aggregate tallies of participating organizations.

  Please contact me to discuss the T-Free Zone program

How to submit your Pledge

Complete this form then print it. — OR — Download PDF file of this Pledge Form
Fax or mail the printed copy.

Fax: 607-274-6695 (Attn: T-Free Program)
Mailing address: T-Free Program, TCHD, 401 Dates Dr., Ithaca, NY 14850

Email T-free coordinator, Ted Schiele

Order T-Free products here »