Behavior Intentions of the Public after Bans on Smoking in Restaurants and Bars.
Biener, Lois PhD; Siegel, Michael MD, MPH
[Miscellaneous] American Journal of Public Health. 87(12):2042-2044, December 1997.

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Objectives: This study assessed the potential effect of smoke-free policies on bar and restaurant patronage.

Methods: Random-digit dialing techniques were used in surveying a representative sample of Massachusetts adults (n = 2356) by telephone.

Results: Approximately 61% of the respondents predicted no change in their use of restaurants in response to smoke-free policies, 30% predicted increased use, and 8% predicted decreased use. In turn, 69% of the respondents predicted no change in their patronage of bars, while 20% predicted increased use and 11% predicted decreased use.

Conclusions: These results suggest that smoke-free policies are likely to increase overall patronage of bars and restaurants. (Am J Public Health 1997;87:2042-2044)

Copyright (C) 1997 by the American Public Health Association, Inc.