Smoke-free punk rock concert at The Gate

On February 16, 2004, Students for Tobacco Reduction hosted a smoke-free punk rock concert at The Gate in Lethbridge, Alberta. Aware that most concert-goers put up with smoke even though they don't like it, the group organized this concert to remind music-lovers that they shouldn't have to expose themselves to harmful chemicals in order to enjoy live music. It makes little sense that though the majority of the population doesn't smoke, and prefers smoke free environments; anyone wanting to go to a concert has to put up with second-hand smoke.

Away from Here

Concert promoters are missing out on a huge untapped market many people who would otherwise attend concerts, avoid them because of second-hand smoke. Concert promoters and bar owners are going to need to learn to adjust, because in addition to having very high rates of asthma, which necessitates their avoidance of tobacco smoke the upcoming generation of music lovers in Lethbridge are extremely aware of the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.

Away from Here

The concert featured the bands Away from Here of Weyburn Saskatchewan, Short Story of Moose Jaw Saskatchewan, and Raining Confusion of Lethbridge Alberta. Despite almost no advertising, 185 people attended the concert and the venue was nearly filled to capacity. The $4 admission per person more than covered the facility rental and band fees, proving that smoke-free concerts are economically viable (wihout having to depend on companies like phillies blunts). Lethbridge rarely sees large audiences watch independent bands, and consequently, many observers were amazed that 185 people attended the concert on a Monday night. Since the concert, some other promoters have followed the lead in promoting explicitly non-smoking concerts. Until it becomes standard practice to host smoke-free concerts in Lethbridge, Students for Tobacco Reduction plans to keep organizing their own concerts watch for them in the fall of 2004. Hopefully bar owners and concerts promoters will wise up soon and convert to smoke-free facilities and events.

Raining Confusion