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\nExposure to secondhand smoke from burning tobacco products causes disease and premature death among nonsmokers.1 There is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke, and even brief exposure can cause immediate harm.1 Smokefree laws that prohibit smoking in all indoor areas of a venue fully protect nonsmokers from involuntary exposure to secondhand smoke indoors.1 National and international studies have shown strong public support for smokefree laws, with levels of support increasing after policy implementation among both nonsmokers and smokers.2-8
\nData from the 2009\u20132010 National Adult Tobacco Survey indicated that a majority of U.S. adults think workplaces and restaurants should be smokefree, and half think bars, casinos, and clubs should be smokefree. Regardless of venue type, women, older individuals, non-Hispanic Asians, individuals with higher education and income, and nonsmokers were the most likely to think these venues should be smokefree.2
\nU.S. Adults | \nBelieve Workplaces Should Be Smokefree | \nBelieve Restaurants Should Be Smokefree | \nBelieve Bars/Casinos/Clubs Should Be Smokefree | \n
---|---|---|---|
All Adults | \n81.6% | \n74.9% | \n50.0% | \n
Never Smokers | \n89.0% | \n82.9% | \n60.0% | \n
Former Smokers | \n82.1% | \n76.6% | \n51.9% | \n
Current Smokers | \n59.4% | \n49.9% | \n19.2% | \n
\n
In 1998, a statewide smokefree law prohibiting smoking in all indoor areas of bars was implemented in California. A series of statewide surveys found that public approval for the smokefree law increased among bar patrons within 2.5 years after the law took effect. 3
\nCalifornia Bar Patrons | \nApproved of Law 3 Months After It Took Effect | \nApproved of Law 2.5 years After It Took Effect | \n
---|---|---|
All Bar Patrons | \n46% | \n62% | \n
\n
In 2003, a statewide comprehensive smokefree law prohibiting smoking in all indoor areas of workplaces, restaurants, and bars was implemented in New York State. Data from the New York State Adult Tobacco Survey indicated that public support for the smokefree law increased among both smokers and nonsmokers within 2 years after the law took effect.4
\nNew York State Adults | \nSupported Law Shortly Before It Took Effect | \nSupported Law 2 Years After It Took Effect | \n
---|---|---|
All Adults | \n64% | \n80% | \n
Nonsmokers | \n74% | \n86% | \n
Smokers | \n25% | \n37% | \n
\n
In 2007, a statewide smokefree law prohibiting smoking in all indoor areas of workplaces, restaurants, and bars was implemented in Minnesota. A study of adolescents and young adults aged 16\u201324 years found that attitudes toward smokefree restaurants and bars/clubs improved immediately after the law took effect, both among those living with and without a previous local smokefree law.5
\nMinnesota Adolescents and Young Adults (16\u201324 years old) | \nBelieved Restaurants Should Be Smokefree 6\u201312 Months Before Law Took Effect | \nBelieved Restaurants Should Be Smokefree 1\u20136 Months After Law Took Effect | \n
---|---|---|
With Previous Local Smokefree Law | \n70.9% | \n77.1% | \n
Without Previous Local Smokefree Law | \n62.5% | \n79.0% | \n
\n | Believed Bars/Clubs Should Be Smokefree 6\u201312 Months Before Law Took Effect | \nBelieved Bars/Clubs Should Be Smokefree 1\u20136 Months After Law Took Effect | \n
With Previous Local Smokefree Law | \n48.9% | \n56.8% | \n
Without Previous Local Smokefree Law | \n36.5% | \n57.3% | \n
In 2004, a national comprehensive smokefree law prohibiting smoking in all indoor areas of workplaces, restaurants, and pubs was implemented in Ireland. A study found that attitudes toward smokefree workplaces, restaurants, and pubs improved among adult smokers almost a year after the law took effect.6
\nIreland Adult Smokers | \nBelieved Venue Should Be Smokefree Shortly Before Law Took Effect | \nBelieved Venue Should Be Smokefree 1 Year After Law Took Effect | \n
---|---|---|
Workplaces | \n43% | \n67% | \n
Restaurants | \n45% | \n77% | \n
Pubs | \n13% | \n46% | \n
\n
In 2004, a national comprehensive smokefree law prohibiting smoking in all indoor areas of workplaces, restaurants, and bars/pubs was implemented in New Zealand. A study found that attitudes toward smokefree bars/pubs improved among adults 4 months after the law took effect.7
\nNew Zealand Adults | \nBelieved Venue Should Be Smokefree 1 Month Before Law Took Effect | \nBelieved Venue Should Be Smokefree 4 Months After Law Took Effect | \n
---|---|---|
Bars/Pubs | \n56.0% | \n69.0% | \n
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In 2006, a national comprehensive smokefree law prohibiting smoking in all indoor areas of workplaces, restaurants/cafes, and bars was implemented in Scotland. A study found that attitudes toward smokefree workplaces, restaurants, and pubs improved among adults one year after the law took effect.8
\nScotland Adults | \nBelieved Venue Should Be Smokefree Shortly Before Law Took Effect | \nBelieved Venue Should Be Smokefree 1 Year After Law Took Effect | \n
---|---|---|
Workplaces | \n52.0% | \n66.0% | \n
Restaurants/Cafes | \n61.0% | \n82.0% | \n
Bars | \n33.0% | \n58.0% | \n