At the frontier of tobacco control: A brief review of public attitudes toward smoke-free outdoor places

Abstract

Given the recent increase in outdoor smoking restrictions in many developed countries and the growing recognition of the importance of reducing smoking role models for children, this area needs further research related to attitudes and policy evaluation. Given the levels of public support, policy makers in some jurisdictions appear to have an opportunity to establish smoke-free outdoor public places, at least in areas frequented by children.

Effect of smoke-free patio policy of restaurants and bars on exposure to second-hand smoke

“…To my knowledge, this is the first study to provide empirical evidence on the effectiveness of a smoke-free patio policy of bars and restaurants on SHS exposure. The current findings represent a unique and timely contribution to the literature, especially as public support for this policy grows and policy makers in numerous jurisdictions are considering adopting this policy (Thomson et al, 2009). The results of this study are consistent with the extant literature showing that smoke-free legislation is beneficial to health, in part due to a reduction in SHS exposure (e.g., e.g., Hahn et al, 2008;Fowkes et al, 2008;Nagelhout et al, 2011;Millett et al, 2013;Naiman et al, 2010).…”

“…While public support is increasing for outdoor smoke-free legislation (Thomson et al, 2009), not much is known about SHS exposure in outdoor dining areas of bars and restaurants (St. Helen et al, 2012;Klepeis et al, 2007). Prior research has demonstrated similar levels of tobacco smoke concentrations in outdoor and indoor settings, especially in a close proximity to smokers (Klepeis et al, 2007).…”

Public support for smoke-free areas in Israel: A case for action

“…For example, a major WHO review of published research shows that, in Poland in 2007, 89% of adults supported a complete ban on smoking in educational institutions and, in California in 2003, 91.6% (including 69.8% of current smokers) of students supported such a ban [8]. Authors of a recent review [36] concluded that, "in a number of developed jurisdictions, the majority of the public supports restricting outdoor smoking in selected settings, particularly in those frequented by children." (p. 589) Significantly, they identified this concern for children's welfare as a potential tool for policymakers in mobilizing public support for smoke-free regulation.…”

Public support for tobacco control policy extensions in Western Australia: a cross-sectional study

“…To date, there appears to have been little research on the extent of support for bans in outdoor locations characterised by open spaces that are not directly adjacent to buildings. In their review of the few studies that have explored this issue, Thomson and colleagues31 noted that there are typically high levels of community support but that further research is needed to more comprehensively assess the extent of support for such bans and how this may vary in different contexts 31…”