STATEMENT: Coalition Celebrates Decision to Keep Detroit Metro Airport Smoke-Free

DETROIT – Following the Wayne County Airport Authority's decision to withdraw its request for proposals for a cigar lounge at Detroit Metro Airport, leaders of the Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance issued the following statement:

"This week's decision is a tremendous victory for the health of travelers and workers at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. We applaud the Wayne County Airport Authority for listening to the overwhelming voices of public health experts, community leaders and Michigan residents who made it clear there is no place for indoor smoking at one of our state's busiest public spaces.

"This outcome would not have been possible without the tireless leadership of the Keep DTW Smokefree Coalition and the many community advocates, students, health organizations and partners who spent months organizing and educating decision-makers. Their persistence and commitment made the difference.

"There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, and no ventilation system can eliminate its dangers. This decision protects the millions of passengers who travel through DTW each year, thousands of airport employees, and the surrounding community from unnecessary exposure to secondhand smoke.

"This is a victory worth celebrating, and it demonstrates what is possible when communities come together to put people's health ahead of the profits of the tobacco industry."

– Jodi Radke, Alliance Co-Chair, Regional Director, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

– A'Lynne Boles Dukes, PhD, Alliance Co-Chair and Public Health Advocate