Banning Smoking In Parks And On Beaches: Science, Policy, And The Politics Of Denormalization

Abstract

Campaigns to limit tobacco use started in the 1970s and have led to bans on public smoking, which have been extended to parks and beaches. A review of state and local statutes shows that during 1993-2011, smoking was banned in 843 parks and on 150 beaches across the United States. Three justifications for these restrictions have been invoked: the risk of passive smoke to nonsmokers, the pollution caused by cigarette butts, and the long-term risks to children from seeing smoking in public. Our analysis of the evidence for these claims found it far from definitive and in some cases weak. What, then, accounts for the efforts to impose such bans? We conclude that the impetus is the imperative to denormalize smoking as part of a broader public health campaign to reduce tobacco-related illness and death. Although invoking limited evidence may prove effective in the short run, it is hazardous for public health policy makers, for whom public trust is essential.

Attitudes to smoke-free outdoor regulations in the USA and Canada: a review of 89 surveys

“…Bayer and Bachynski have argued that ‘public opinion was far more supportive of outdoor smoking bans in the states that had embarked on the most aggressive efforts to restrict outdoor smoking’ 1. The observed tendency for smoker support for outdoor regulations to be nearer to non-smoker attitudes, once the latter is over 50%, suggests a normalising effect as community norms influence smokers.…”

“…Since 2000 there has been a rapid growth in outdoor smoke-free regulations in many high-income countries, including in the USA and Canada 1 2. These regulations most often apply to recreational areas (eg, parks and playgrounds), areas where people are close together (eg, stadia, transit stops, patios at hospitality venues) and educational campuses, and have begun to extend to some pedestrian shopping areas and, more rarely, whole urban areas 3–5…”

A review of the current geographic distribution of and debate surrounding electronic cigarette clean air regulations in the United States

“…Smoking bans and increased attention to the negative health effects of smoking and second-hand exposure have stigmatized smoking in public places. Some have argued that denormalization entails the process of marshalling stigma for the good of public health (Bayer and Bachynski 2013). Yet, others have argued that the stigma that is often coupled with denormalization may do more harm than good among disadvantaged smokers (Bell et al 2010).…”

Smoke-free parks and beaches: an interrupted time-series study of behavioural impact in New York City

“…Given the association between perceived norms and smoking behaviours,11 policies that contribute to antismoking norms have the potential to help reduce the prevalence of smoking via denormalisation 2 12…”

“…In May 2011, New York City (NYC) joined hundreds of cities and counties in the USA by making all city parks and beaches smoke-free 1 2. Visitors can be fined $50 for a violation.…”