Of the 327 licensed eating establishments in Douglas County, 62 are completely smoke-free, according to a newly released pocket guide produced by a local health organization.

“That’s what this guide is really here to do, to promote some of those wonderful restaurants that have chosen to be smoke-free,” said Michelle Miller, director of Douglas County Community Health Improvement Project (CHIP).

The new “Douglas County Smoke-Free Restaurant Guide” was produced by the organization’s tobacco prevention committee after it surveyed Douglas County eateries to learn which ones offered diners an opportunity to eat in smoke-free environments.

Kim Bellemere, a facilitator for the CHIP committee said she was pleased to learn so many restaurants in Douglas County were smoke-free.

Citing the health risks from second-hand smoke, committee members are trying to sway restaurant owners who offer smoking sections to convert their businesses to fully nonsmoking establishments. Second-hand smoke is the third-leading preventable cause of death in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society.

“This is good for customers. It’s good for employees. It’s a win-win proposition all the way around,” said Kevin Walker, advocacy director for the American Heart Assn. “So anytime there’s an opportunity to help people get away from smoke exposure it’s very important to the Heart Association.”

¢ 6News video: Guide lists smoke free restaurants¢ Smoke free restaurants

Michelle Levy, co-owner of Westside Deli & Market, 4931 W. Sixth St., said one reason her business was smoke-free was out of concern for children’s health.

“As a mom, we seek out smoke-free environments to take out children when we’re out. As a business owner, we’re thrilled to offer that opportunity to other moms, other families and other people in the community,” she said.

Copies of the guide are available at any of the restaurants listed in the guide. The complete list can be found online at www.ljworld.com.