Are smoke-free policies implemented and adhered to at sporting venues?
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the level of implementation of and adherence to smoke-free policies in two major sporting venues in Perth.


METHODS
Smoking status and attitude toward the smoke-free policies in the venues were determined in a random sample of spectators as they entered each venue. An observational study of randomly selected non-smoking seated areas in each venue was conducted on the same day to determine compliance with smoke-free policies. A butt-count was conducted to validate these observations.


RESULTS
There was a high level of both awareness and agreement with the smoke-free policies, however, this level of agreement was higher in non-smokers than smokers. The results of the observational study and the butt-count indicated that the policies were implemented and there was a high level of adherence with the smoke-free policy at both venues.


CONCLUSIONS
The results provide further evidence that smoke-free policies in sporting venues are both supported and adhered to by spectators.


CONCLUSIONS
The implementation of the smoke-free policies at venues is highly effective in protecting non-smokers from the effects of environmental tobacco smoke.
Pikora
T
T
Department of Public Health, University of Western Australia. terri@dph.uwa.edu.au
Phang
J W
JW
Karro
J
J
Corti
B
B
Clarkson
J
J
Donovan
R J
RJ
Frizzell
S
S
Wilkinson
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D013177:Sports; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014904:Western Australia