Wis. set to launch media blitz ahead of statewide smoking ban

Wis. to launch statewide smoking ban ad blitz

SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. — Wisconsin health officials will launch a public relations campaign this week to promote the state’s smoking ban, state Department of Health Services Secretary Karen Timberlake said Monday.

The ban generally prohibits smoking in all workplaces in Wisconsin. However, it does permit smoking in rooms with open windows covering at least 25 percent of the walls.

The ban begins July 5. At a news conference at Market Street Diner, Timberlake said the promotions will include radio ads featuring Gov. Jim Doyle, print ads and Internet ads promoting the ban.

The campaign will run through July, she said, but won’t include any television ads.

“Too pricey,” Timberlake said.

DHS spokesman Seth Boffeli said after the news conference that the agency has budgeted $190,000 for the campaign. He said the agency has to make that money last for two months.

Timberlake said she hopes the ban will encourage people to quit smoking, noting the habit claims nearly 8,000 lives annually in Wisconsin.