Secondhand Smoke

Research

Study: Houston smoking ban had no effect on bar business (TX)
Two years ago, the implementation of a citywide smoking ban in Houston, Texas that restricted smoking in almost all public venues was faced with opposition from bar and restaurant owners concerned that the ban would negatively affect their business. To see if the ban had actually affected the bar and restaurant industry in Houston, the city conducted a study to determine the impact of the ban on business. The city found that the ordinance did not significantly impact restaurant and bar business. Houston Mayor Bill White expressed that the findings provided reassurance that the city made the correct decision to protect workers and the public from secondhand smoke. Click here to read more.

“Smoking allowed” - Trends in policies that allow smoking in the workplace: Wisconsin and the United States (WI)
With support from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the University of Wisconsin, in collaboration with Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention and Control Program, prepared a report examining trends in establishment of workplace smoking policies in Wisconsin and the U.S. between the years of 1999 and 2007 and assessing Wisconsin’s progress in establishing workplace bans. The report has found that there has been a decrease in workplaces that allow smoking since 1999 statewide and nationally, but there is significant room for additional progress. The information was gathered from surveys of employees of indoor work facilities. Company smoking policies were examined at two levels: restrictions in working areas where job duties are performed, and restrictions in public areas of employment facilities that are shared by employees and patrons. Additionally, the report looks at data for the two levels combined and compared the findings in Wisconsin to national data. Click here to read the full report.

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International

Spot a public smoker, dial 1800 and complain (India)
Following the enactment of a national law prohibiting public smoking in India, a Mumbai hospital has partnered with public health organizations and NGOs to launch a toll-free helpline that allows the public to call in and report violations of the smoking ban. With backing from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), a municipal corporation that provides public health services and city infrastructure, multiple steps are being taken in Mumbai to ensure that the new smoking law is properly implemented and enforced. The agency has set up a cell to ensure accurate implementation and has secured an anti-tobacco committee to set up an interactive website to encourage public participation in implementation of the smoke-free law. Click here to read more.

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