Employee and public responses to simulated violations of no-smoking regulations in Spain.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated compliance with regulations prohibiting smoking in public places by using a new method of smoking simulation.


METHODS
Sites in Sabadell, Spain, were visited by observers who lit a cigarette, simulating the act of smoking, and noted the placement and content of signs indicating smoking restrictions.


RESULTS
A warning was given in only 17% of sites. A significant association was observed between the presence of signs banning smoking and the elicitation of a warning from people present.


CONCLUSIONS
Simulating the violation of smoking restrictions may be used as an efficient method of assessing enforcement of the prohibition of public smoking.
Bonfill
X
X
Service of Clinical Epidemiology and Information, Consorci Hospitalari del Parc Taulf, Sabadell Barcelona, Spain.
Serra
C
C
López
V
V
D006801:Humans; D011639:Public Opinion; D012907:Smoking / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D013030:Spain