According to their recent press release, out of the 11 schools in the Big Ten, three were assigned home bars in Indianapolis that allow smoking. If Iowa, Michigan and Michigan State fans visiting Indianapolis want to celebrate at their home bars, they will also be exposed to secondhand smoke.

Are you an alum or fan of one of these schools? How do you feel about your options?

As one of the top 15 cities in the United States, only Indianapolis and Philadelphia are not smoke-free. As a city striving to become one of America’s best places to live, shouldn’t Indianapolis consider following the trend and become smoke-free? Not only for the people living here, but for the thousands that visit each year?

At the very least, shouldn’t we at least recognize that Michigan is a smoke-free state and allow BOTH of their universities to have a home bar that is also smoke-free?

With a brand new and expanded convention center and as the home of Super Bowl 2012, are we missing out on opportunities because we are NOT a smoke-free city? For instance, the American Public Health Association will not host a conference in a city that allows indoor workplace smoking and their annual conference draws 13,000 attendees.

Tell us what you think!!  Comment below.

HealthNet’s Health Promotions team offers free tobacco cessation counseling to all.  If you or someone you know is looking to quit, refer them here.  The earlier, the better!