On March 1st, 2023, Smokefree Music Cities celebrated the implementation of a smokefree ordinance that closes the gap and prohibits smoking inside most age restricted venues in Nashville. This historic action, the first in Tennessee, will finally give Davidson County’s hospitality workers and musicians the same smokefree workplace protections enjoyed by nearly all other Nashvillians. Over 50 venues including bars and music clubs are now 100% smokefree indoors.
ANRF’s President and CEO, Cynthia Hallett, and Midwest States Strategist, Traci Kennedy, were on hand in Nashville with Jamie Kent, chair of Musicians for a Smokefree Tennessee at Jane’s Hideaway in East Nashville and went LIVE to share the excitement as bars in Nashville emptied their ashtrays for the last time and welcomed the new smokefree ordinance that will keep fans, bartenders, and musicians breathing easy.
Traci and Jamie took the smokefree show on the road to Knoxville. The local coalition of public health partners and artists shared inspiring stories, discussion, and in Smokefree Music City tradition, great music from Nancy Ann Wilson. Knoxville could be the next star on our Smokefree Music Cities map!