INITIATIVES 

 Since 1992 MOTAC has partnered with the Omaha Police Department to make sure that the retailers selling tobacco do so according to state and federal guidelines.  MOTAC works daily to make Douglas County a healthier and safer environment for all.  With initiatives such as tobacco-free housing, MOTAC works directly with property owners of multi-unit buildings to implement tobacco and/or smoke-free policies because of second and third-hand smoke. MOTAC is also excited to be working diligently to ensure that our parks and community spaces are Tobacco-Free, through our Tobacco-Free Parks Initiative. Tobacco-Free Parks and community recreational spaces role model healthy behavior to youth and families and protects them from second/third-hand smoke, as well as decreases park maintenance and increases the natural beauty of our parks!  

Smoke-Free Homes 

MOTAC works directly with property owners of multi-unit housing to assist in implementing a smoke-free or tobacco-free policy.  Under the Nebraska Clean Air Act many areas are required to be smoke free such as: entry/exit areas, elevators, lobby areas, gyms, restrooms, indoor swimming pools, laundry rooms, common traffic areas, and recreational rooms.  However, this does not cover tenants  apartments or patios.  If you are a tenant or a property owner that would like your property to become smoke free contact info@motac.org for assistance. 

Tobacco-Free Parks 

Many cities across the midwest are adopting tobacco-free parks, including Lincoln, Nebraska.  MOTAC believes that a tobacco-free parks policy in Omaha would: 
  1. Reduce exposure to second hand smoke. 
  2. Reduce toxic litter of cigarette butts in Omaha's beautiful parks. 
  3. Change the cultural norm for our children, because if they do not see adults smoking they won't start themselves.  

Tobacco-Free or Smoke-Free Work Spaces and Patios 

As of June 1, 2009 when the Nebraska Clean Air act went into affect, all businesses are requested to be smoke-free indoors.  The Nebraska Clean Air Act eliminates smoking in enclosed indoor work spaces including restaurants, bars, keno establishments, and other work places, and indoor public spaces.  

MOTAC works with businesses to assist their endeavors to go above and beyond the Nebraska Clean Air Act.  Measures such as entire business campuses becoming smoke free or restricting locations to where smokers can smoke.  

Tobacco Retailer Compliance 

Since March 2002, MOTAC has partnered with the Omaha Police Department and the Nebraska State Patrol to ensure that regular Tobacco Compliance Checks are completed in Douglas County. MOTAC recently began working with Douglas County Sheriff's Office to conduct tobacco compliance checks in Douglas County outside of Omaha city limits.

Attempts are made to check each tobacco retail license holder quarterly throughout the year. Creighton Cardiac coordinates these efforts which involve a plain clothed police officer accompanying a Cooperating Individual (CI) that attempts to purchase tobacco products. CIs are minors who use their own ID and make no attempt to look over the legal purchase age.