Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to report public reactions to a total workplace smoking ban, including smoking behavior, attendance at bars and clubs, and attitudes toward a broader ban.
Design/methodology/approach
– Surveys were conducted in two adjacent jurisdictions, one of which instituted a total workplace smoking ban. Surveys took place before (n=1,609) and after (n=1,600) enactment of the ban in the relevant jurisdiction.
Findings
– No change in smoking prevalence occurred in the jurisdiction enacting the ban. Strong majorities of non-smokers supported the ban, while strong majorities of smokers expressed opposition. In the jurisdiction that enacted the ban, smokers who appeared to be high-volume consumers at bars and clubs were most likely to report reducing attendance at these establishments and to oppose the ban.
Research limitations/implications
– Surveys depend on accurate self-reporting of behavior and attitudes.
Practical implications
– Some bars and clubs may incur financial losses due to smoking bans. A core of strong opponents can undermine public consensus regarding smoking bans. Licensing a limited number of bars and clubs to allow smoking can safeguard this consensus.
Social implications
– Limited smoking bans can serve as a means of harm reduction, as non-smokers are protected from environmental tobacco smoke, and accommodation of smokers reduces their motivation to oppose bans.
Originality/value
– This investigation makes use of detailed data on the public’s thinking and reactions to a comprehensive smoking ban and is a before-after study with controls.
Delayed compensatory cigarette consumption after a workplace smoking ban
