Smoking in Boston Bars Before and After a 100% Smoke-Free Regulation: An Assessment of Early Compliance

The objective of this study was to assess compliance with Boston's 100% smoke-free bar regulation within the first 3 months of implementation. An observational survey was conducted of a random sample of 102 bars in Boston before and after the smoking ban went into effect. Forty bars were observ...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of public health management and practice 2004-11, Vol.10 (6), p.501-507
Main Authors: Skeer, Margie, Land, Michelle L., Cheng, Debbie M., Siegel, Michael B.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Boston
Commerce - economics
Health Education - legislation & jurisprudence
Health Policy - legislation & jurisprudence
Humans
Public Health Administration - education
Public Policy
Restaurants - economics
Restaurants - legislation & jurisprudence
Smoking - legislation & jurisprudence
Tobacco Smoke Pollution - legislation & jurisprudence
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Summary:The objective of this study was to assess compliance with Boston's 100% smoke-free bar regulation within the first 3 months of implementation. An observational survey was conducted of a random sample of 102 bars in Boston before and after the smoking ban went into effect. Forty bars were observed both pre- and postban, serving as a true comparison group; 62 additional bars were observed postban only. From preban to postban, highly significant decreases were found in the mean proportion of patrons smoking inside (22.5% to 0.19%, P < 0.0001), in the proportion of bars with smoking patrons (100% to 2.5%, P < 0.0001), and in the average number of ashtrays present in each bar (24 to 0, P < 0.0001). A highly significant increase was found in the average number of "no smoking" signs posted in each bar (0 to 3.3, P < 0.0001). Within the 3 months immediately following the 100% smoke-free bar regulation in Boston, bars were highly compliant with the ban, including not allowing patrons and employees to smoke, removing ashtrays, and posting signs indicating that smoking is prohibited. Therefore, with proper time and preparation, public health practitioners can change social norms before a ban goes into effect and can implement smoke-free policies smoothly and with immediate compliance.
ISSN:1078-4659
1550-5022
DOI:10.1097/00124784-200411000-00005