Attitudes toward smoke-free workplaces, restaurants, and bars, casinos, and clubs among U.S. adults: Findings from the 2009-2010 national adult tobacco survey

Abstract

Introduction: An increasing number of U.S. states and communities have implemented smoke-free policies prohibiting smoking in all indoor workplaces and public areas. Public attitudes toward smoke-free environments are an evidenced-based, key indicator for the successful implementation and enforcement of smoke-free policies. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2009-2010 National Adult Tobacco Survey, a landline and cell phone survey of adults aged ≥18 years old residing in the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. The overall proportion of respondents who reported that smoking should "never be allowed" in workplaces, restaurants, and bars/casinos/clubs was calculated, both nationally and by state. National estimates were also calculated by sex, age, race/ethnicity, education, annual household income, sexual orientation, and smoking status. Results: Nationally, 81.6% of U.S. adults think workplaces should be smoke-free (state range: 68.6% [Kentucky] to 89.1% [California]); 74.9% think restaurants should be smoke-free (state range: 59.5% [Missouri] to 84.6% [California]); 50.0% think bars/casinos/clubs should be smoke-free (state range: 32.3% [Nevada] to 61.3% [Maine]); and 47.5% think workplaces, restaurants, and bars/casinos/clubs should be smoke-free (state range: 30.3% [Nevada] to 58.8% [Maine]). Regardless of venue type, women, older individuals, non-Hispanic Asians, individuals with higher education and income, and nonsmokers were the most likely to think these environments should be smoke-free. Conclusions: A majority of U.S. adults think workplaces and restaurants should be smoke-free, while half think bars, casinos, and clubs should be smoke-free. Continued efforts are needed to educate the public about the dangers of secondhand smoke and the benefits of smoke-free indoor environments.