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Perceptions of the effect of an impending restaurant smoking ban on dining-out experience
M Wakefield1, L Roberts, C Miller
1Health Research and Policy Centers, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 60607, USA.
Background:
The introduction of bans on smoking in restaurants is frequently marred by claims that they will lead to a loss of business.
Methods:
A representative sample of 3,019 South Australians age 15+ years were asked questions about dining-out frequency and perceived effects of the ban on their dining-out enjoyment and restaurant patronage.
Results:
Sixty-one percent thought the ban would make dining out more enjoyable, 5% thought it would be less enjoyable, and 34% thought it would make no difference. Overall, 82% thought the ban would make no difference to their likelihood of dining out, 14% would be more likely to dine out, and 4% would be less likely.
Conclusions:
These data suggest that the public expects bans on smoking in restaurants to result in both increased enjoyment and increased patronage of restaurants.