Smoke-free the way to be

Chicoans know they aren’t supposed to smoke within 20 feet of a business entryway. But, according to a survey taken last fall, that law isn’t always followed. In an effort to help businesses keep their entryways free of second-hand smoke, the California Health Collaborative’s Smoke Free North State program launched the Smoke Free Entryway MVP Competition in Chico at the beginning of April.

Local businesses can take pictures of their storefronts to show that they’re making an effort to stay smoke-free. Photos can include signage, ashtrays set away from the doors or employees picking up cigarette butts to clear the sidewalks of smoking-related debris. They can then submit those photos, with the name of their business and a team name to the collaborative’s Facebook page (search “Smoke Free North State”). The business with the most “likes” by the 25th of each month will be chosen as the MVP and will win a free lunch for up to 10 people.