Eat'n Park is receiving high praise from community leaders and organizations since enacting a system-wide non-smoking policy in May 2007.  The American Lung Association of Pennsylvania, the American Cancer Society of Pennsylvania, Allegheny County, Westmoreland County Tobacco Coalition and Teens Against Tobacco Use have all recognized the family dining chain for its decision to go smoke-free.

"We're quite humbled by all the attention we have received from these organizations," said Kevin O'Connell, senior vice president, Eat'n Park Restaurants.  "As the state's leading restaurant chain, we made our decision to go smoke-free because we wanted to protect the health of our team members and guests.  We simply did what we thought was right."

Now, the family dining chain is encouraging the Pennsylvania state Legislature to enact a statewide smoking ban that further protects workers, particularly those in the hospitality industry.

"Since going smoke-free in May, we have received tremendous feedback from our team members and guests supporting our decision," said O'Connell.  "We encourage the state Legislature to come to an agreement to protect all Pennsylvania workers from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke."

The American Lung Association of Pennsylvania awarded its first annual Commitment to Clean Air Award to Eat'n Park for its pledge to proactively improve the health and environment of the communities the company serves.  Eat'n Park was the first organization outside of the medical field ever to be recognized by the American Lung Association.

Eat'n Park also received the American Cancer Society's Division Citation Award, which was given based on the company's efforts to help eliminate cancer by smoking prevention.  Allegheny County Council presented Eat'n Park with a proclamation, which recognized the company for voluntarily offering guests a smoke-free environment. 

Teenagers from Westmoreland County Tobacco Coalition and Teens Against Tobacco Use, a group working to prevent tobacco use among young people, also presented an award and poster, which included notes from students thanking and praising the company for becoming smoke-free.