P186 Public attitudes to the UK smoking ban

Abstract

Aim To record public attitudes to the 2006–2007 UK bans on smoking in enclosed public and workplaces. Methods We commissioned a survey of the YouGov Plc British panel of 185 000+ people (aged 18+). An email was sent to panellists, selected at random using a sophisticated sampling matrix, to be representative of each country. Three surveys were conducted between 25 and 30 March 2009. We obtained answers from n=10 895 adults in England, n=1023 adults in Wales, and n=1157 adults in Scotland. The results for all three countries were merged at analysis stage and re-weighted to be representative of the overall GB population. We had data from 13 075 adults, 52% female, mean age 45.5 years (range 18–88 years), 22% of whom reported continued smoking at least occasionally. Results Overall, 79.1% supported the ban, 14.6% opposed the ban and 6.2% were unsure. The [Abstract P186 Table 1][1] describes responses by smoking status: View this table: Conclusions There remain differences in opinion between smokers and non-smokers but public support for the ban on smoking in public and workplaces remains high. Most people (including smokers) believe the ban has significant beneficial health effects at all levels. [1]: #T1