Behavior intentions of the public after bans on smoking in restaurants and bars.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Biener
L
L
Center for Survey Research, University of Massachusetts, Boston 02125, USA.
Siegel
M
M
D000328:Adult; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005544:Forecasting; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D008404:Massachusetts; D012147:Restaurants / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012907:Smoking / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires