Nonprofit, Entertainers Speak Out, celebrates new ordinance, turns attention to encouraging establishments to go smoke-free now

For the entertainers who have performed in Atlanta's smoking establishments, their workplaces have too often cost them their voices, their health - and even their lives.

Local entertainer and promoter Lewis McTush saw many of his non-smoking peers pass away from smoke-related illnesses, and realized something needed to be done. In 2010, he founded Entertainers Speak Out, an Atlanta-based nonprofit, to encourage venues, bars and restaurants to go smoke-free on behalf of entertainers and service industry workers.

Before the passing of Atlanta’s smoke-free ordinance this summer, Entertainers Speak Out, in collaboration with The Atlanta Blues Society, worked tirelessly to bring attention to the effects of secondhand smoke on the people who work in bars and music venues.

The ordinance, led by City Council Member Matt Westmoreland, goes into effect on January 2, and Entertainers Speak Out is now launching a campaign to tell the stories of the entertainers to urge smoking establishments to go smoke-free early.

Since just 30 minutes of secondhand smoke exposure can damage a person’s lungs, every day counts.

“I've seen countless entertainers, who never smoked a day in their lives, pass away because of secondhand smoke - I've lost four friends in just the last year," said McTush. "When it comes to establishments going smoke-free early, there’s no time to delay for the entertainers and people who work there."

“Like Lewis, I too have lost several friends in the industry to illnesses related to secondhand smoke,” said George Klein, co-president of the Atlanta Blues Society. “The Atlanta Blues Society’s mission, which is to preserve the blues, has been made easier now that our musicians are able to perform their music in smoke-free environments.”

Why is this ordinance passing so important for entertainers? Not only are so many of them dying of lung cancer and other smoking-related diseases, but musicians often don’t have pensions or health insurance, which can additionally leave huge financial burdens for their loved ones.

Entertainers Speak Out has helped pass similar legislation in Augusta, New Orleans and other cities.

Studies show that secondhand smoke causes nearly 34,000 premature deaths from heart disease each year in the U.S. among nonsmokers. In fact, within the first 30 minutes of exposure, secondhand smoke increases an individual’s risk of developing lung cancer by 20–30%. The smoke-free ordinance in Atlanta is overwhelmingly supported by 76% of Atlantans.

To help, residents can urge their favorite establishments to go smoke free before January 2, and champion the rights of entertainers and service-industry staff to breathe healthy while on the clock.

In celebration of the law’s passing, Atlantans are invited to an implementation party at Blind Willie’s on January 5 -- hosted by Entertainers Speak Out and the Atlanta Blues Society -- for food, music and more. City Council member Matt Westmoreland, the ordinance’s lead sponsor, will also be in attendance.

Entertainers Speak Out is also fighting on behalf of entertainers and service-industry employees in other Georgia cities and counties in hopes that they’ll follow the example set by the City of Atlanta.

For more information, follow Entertainers Speak Out on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.