Mike’s Record:

Mike Bloomberg has been one of the world’s most effective champions in the effort to reduce tobacco use.

As mayor, Mike led the passage of historic legislation that made New York City one of the first American cities to ban smoking in restaurants and bars. Mike’s leadership inspired a national movement and today over 80% of Americans are covered by state or local smoke-free air laws.

As a result of the new law, a higher cigarette tax, free nicotine patches and a public awareness campaign, New York City’s adult smoking rate declined more than 25% from 2002 to 2012. The smoking rate among New York City public high school students fell by more than 50% during approximately the same period of time. Mike’s efforts prevented 10,000 premature deaths over a decade, while average life expectancy in New York City saw a three-year increase, outpacing national trends.

Since 2007, Mike has committed more than $1 billion to combat tobacco use worldwide, estimated to save more than 35 million lives.