Environmental tobacco smoke: views from the Dunedin hospitality industry on prohibition of smoking in licensed premises.
OBJECTIVE
To describe Dunedin hospitality industry perceptions of difficulties in enforcement of a prohibition on smoking in licensed premises, and possible effects on staff, customers and business. To identify any need for education to assist transition and reduce compliance difficulties with smoke-free legislation.


METHODS
A reply paid questionnaire was mailed to all 311 licensed premises registered with the Dunedin District Licensing Agency, operational in May 1999.


RESULTS
overall response rate (67%) differed significantly by type of premises (bar, club, restaurant and off-licence). Overall, a smoking ban was considered likely to be difficult to enforce (82%), upset customers (74%), reduce business (59%) and negatively effect employees (51%). On each issue, there was a consistent pattern of increasing concern from off-licenses (least concern) through restaurants, to clubs and bars (most concern).


CONCLUSIONS
Considerable concern exists in the hospitality industry about the effects of extending smoke-free status to licensed premises. To assist transition and future compliance, there is a need to address these concerns and provide reliable information to calm unnecessary fears and develop appreciation of the need for change.
Reeder
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Social and Behavioural Research in Cancer Group, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine. treeder@gandalf.otago.ac.nz
Blair
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D001290:Attitude; D003625:Data Collection; D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand; D017149:Private Sector / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012147:Restaurants; D012907:Smoking / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control*
D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution