Public concerns about secondhand smoke (SHS) have increased over the years from the late-1980s and public support for restrictions on smoking has increased in parallel. A 2003 systematic review of Australian studies (published from 1992 to 2002) found a 20% increase in support for bars and gaming venues to be entirely smokefree.1 The researchers predicted that support would 'reach 80% or more within 6 months, should a ban be introduced'(p321).1 Subsequent research has indeed shown continuing increases in support.
15.2.1 Community attitudes to indoor bans
15.2.1.1 National studies of attitudes to smoking bans
The National Drug Strategy Household Survey of 1998, 2001, 2004 and 2007 included questions to gauge community support for measures to reduce problems associated with tobacco use. Of all the venues asked about in 2007, support was highest for smoking bans in workplaces, with 82% of all respondents in support. There were substantial increases in support for smoking bans in pubs and clubs, with the biggest increase in support among smokers (from 20.5% in 2001 to 41.3% in 2007) (Table 15.2.1). In 2004, 73.1% of respondents supported smoking bans in pubs and clubs. With the successful implementation of smoking bans in bars and pubs in various states and territories from 2004, this figure increased to 77% in 2007.
Levels of support have increased over time in every jurisdiction, with the largest increases in support tending to follow the introduction of smoking bans (Figure 15.2.1).
15.2.1.2 State surveys of support for indoor smoking bans
Many surveys have documented increasing levels of public support for restrictions on smoking in indoor workplaces and other venues in Victoria,9–16 South Australia,17–22 Queensland23 and New South Wales.24–26
When adults were asked whether smoking bans would make them more or less likely to visit licensed premises, the vast majority responded that smoking bans would make them either more likely to visit or would make no difference.26,27 In New South Wales in 2008, almost 40% of adults reported that they would be more likely, and only 4% would be less likely, to frequent hotels and licensed premises as a result of the total ban on smoking indoors. For more than half of adults (56%), the total ban on smoking indoors in hotels and licensed premises would make no difference.26 Between 2003 and 2008 in New South Wales there was a significant increase in the proportion of adults who would be more likely to frequent hotels and licensed premises as a result of the total ban on smoking indoors (rising from 24.2% in 2003 to 36.9% in 2007 and 39.5% in 2008).26 At the same time, there has been a decline in the proportion of adults who would be less likely to frequent hotels and licensed premises as a result of the total ban on smoking indoors (falling from 9.8% in 2003 to 5.8% in 2007 to 4.3% in 2008).
15.2.2 Community attitudes to outdoor bans
15.2.2.1 Support for restrictions on smoking in places children gather: playgrounds and other areas
In 2007, two-thirds of Victorians and half of Victorian smokers agreed that smoking should not be allowed in outdoor areas where children are present (Table 15.2.2).
The survey found almost universal support for banning smoking in the grounds of primary and secondary schools, among smokers, former smokers and those who had never smoked (95.5%, 95.7% and 97.6% respectively) (Table 15.2.3).28
A number of studies have also found very strong support for restrictions on smoking in playgrounds.25,28–32
Surveys of adults conducted in New South Wales in 2006, 2007 and 2009 found overwhelming support for restricting smoking in playgrounds (Table 15.2.4).25,30 While support for smokefree restrictions was higher among non-smokers, there was majority support even among smokers. In 2006, support for making playgrounds smokefree by law was 93% among non-smokers and 83% among smokers.30 By 2009 support for making all playgrounds smokefree by law had increased, particularly among smokers (89%), and was 94% among non-smokers.25
Results from the South Australian Health Omnibus Survey also demonstrated very high support for smokefree playgrounds: 85% supported a total ban on smoking at children's playgrounds, 11% supported smokefree areas and only 4% supported no restrictions (Figure 15.2.2).22
15.2.2.2 Support for smoking restrictions in other outdoor areas
Support has been growing for restrictions on smoking in other outdoor areas where people may be exposed to fairly high concentrations of tobacco smoke.
Smokefree areas for fixed seating in sporting venues has been popular for some time.33 Over three-quarters (76.6%) of New South Wales adults surveyed in 2004 supported a ban on smoking in sporting stadiums, and over half of adults surveyed (55.5%) supported a ban on smoking at beaches.32
The South Australian Health Omnibus Survey found that more than 80% of South Australians would support either a total ban on smoking or the inclusion of smokefree areas in outdoor dining areas, entertainment venues and sporting grounds (Figure 15.2.2). Support was lower, but still given by the majority, for a total ban or smokefree areas in outdoor areas at pubs and at beaches.
The New South Wales Health Survey revealed that in 2008, 40.6% of adults would be more likely to frequent outdoor dining areas if there was a total ban on smoking. More than half of New South Wales adults (54%) said a total ban on smoking in outdoor dining areas would make no difference to their patronage of these areas, while 45.4% would be less likely to frequent outdoor dining areas if there was a total ban on smoking.26
In New South Wales between 2006 and 2008, the proportion of adults who would be more likely to frequent outdoor dining areas if there was a total ban on smoking increased from 38.2% to 40.6%. The increase was significant in females and for urban health areas. There was no significant change in the proportion of adults who would be less likely to frequent outdoor dining areas if there was a total ban on smoking.26
A survey of public opinion conducted by the Cancer Institute NSW in 2009 revealed strong support for making beaches smokefree (74%): an increase from 70% in 2006. There was even stronger support for smokefree sports stadiums (86%).25
The Cancer Council Victoria survey of Victorian adults in 2009 found that 71% of respondents supported smoking bans at outdoor restaurant dining areas, 84% supported bans within hospital grounds and 63% supported bans at beaches.29
Relevant news and research
For recent news items and research on this topic, click here. ( Last updated November 2022)
References
1. Walsh R and Tzelepis F. Support for smoking restrictions in bars and gaming areas: review of Australian studies. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health 2003;27(3):310–22.
2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2001 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: detailed findings. Drug statistics series no. 11, cat. no. PHE 41. Canberra, Australia: AIHW, 2002. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/8227
3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2004 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: detailed findings. Drug strategy series no.16, cat. no. PHE 66. Canberra, Australia: AIHW, 2005. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/phe/ndshsdf04/ndshsdf04.pdf
4. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2007 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: detailed findings. Drug statistics series no. 22, cat. no. PHE 107. Canberra, Australia: AIHW, 2008. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10674
5. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 1998 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: state and territory supplement. Drug statistics series no.10, AIHW cat. no. PHE 26. Canberra, Australia: AIHW, 2000. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/phe/ndshs98str/ndshs98str.pdf
6. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2001 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: state and territory supplement. Drug statistics series no.10, cat. no. PHE 37. Canberra, Australia: AIHW, 2002. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/phe/ndshs01sts/ndshs01sts.pdf
7. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2004 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: state and territory supplement. Drug statistics series no. 10, cat. no. PHE 61. Canberra, Australia: 2005. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10133
8. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2007 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: state and territory supplement. Drug statistics series no. 21, cat. no. PHE 102. Canberra, Australia: AIHW, 2008. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/phe/ndshs07-sats/ndshs07-sats.pdf
9. Mullins R and Borland R. Preferences and requests for smoke-free dining. Australian Journal of Public Health 1995;19(1):100–1. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7734580
10. Mullins R and Morand M. Environmental tobacco smoke: public opinion and behaviour. Quit Evaluation Studies no. 8, 1994–1995. Melbourne, Australia: Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Anti Cancer Council of Victoria, 1996;Available from: http://www.quit.org.au/downloads/QE/QE8/Home.html
11. Mullins R, Trotter L and Letcher T. Environmental tobacco smoke: public opinions and behaviour. Quit Evaluation Studies no. 10, 1998–1999. Melbourne, Australia: The Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria, 2000;15–36. Available from: http://www.quit.org.au/downloads/QE/QE10/10Home.html
12. Letcher T and Black C. Public opinion about smoke-free policies in bars, nightclubs and gambling venues, 2000–2002. CBRC Research Paper Series no. 2. Victoria: Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, The Cancer Council Victoria, 2003. Available from: http://www.cancervic.org.au/abstracts_pub_opinion_bars_200.html
13. Durkin S, Letcher T and Lipscomb J. Public opinion about smokefree policies in bars, nightclubs and gambling venues, 2000–2003 CBRC Research Paper Series no. 6. Melbourne, Australia: Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, The Cancer Council Victoria, 2004. Available from: http://www.cancervic.org.au/abstracts_pub_opinion_bars_2001.html
14. Germain D. Public opinion about the Victorian Government's proposal to ban smoking in hospitality venues by 1 July 2007. CBRC Research Paper Series no. 20 Melbourne, Australia: Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, 2006. Available from: http://www.cancervic.org.au/browse.asp?ContentID=abstract_public_opinion
15. Brennan E, Durkin S, Liu C and Germain D. Smokefree hospitality venues in Victoria: public approval, predicted patronage and quitting behaviour, 2004–2006. CBRC Research Paper Series No 28. Melbourne, Australia: Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, 2007. Available from: http://www.cancervic.org.au/downloads/cbrc_research_papers/approval_SF_bans_rps28.pdf
16. McCarthy M, Durkin S, Brennan E and Germain D. Smokefree hospitality venues in Victoria: public approval, patronage and quitting behaviour, 2004–2007. CBRC Research Paper Series no. 32. Melbourne, Australia: Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, 2008. Available from: http://www.cancervic.org.au/cbrc_smokefree_survey_08.html
17. Miller C and Kriven S. Public support for smoking bans in bars and gaming venues. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health 2001;25(3):275–6. Available from: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/118996712/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0
18. Miller C and Kriven S. Community support for smoking bans in bar and gaming venues in South Australia. Tobacco Control Research and Evaluation Report 1998–2001. Adelaide: Tobacco Control Research Evaluation Unit, 2002;Available from: http://www.cancersa.org.au/aspx/TCRE_publications.aspx
19. Miller C and Kriven S. Smoke-free dining in South Australia: Surveys of community attitudes and practices after 4 and 18 months. Tobacco Control Research and Evaluation Report 1998–2001. Adelaide: Tobacco Control Research Evaluation Unit, 2002;Available from: http://www.cancersa.org.au/aspx/TCRE_publications.aspx
20. Miller C, Wakefield M, Kriven S and Hyland A. The Air We Breathe: Evaluation of smoke-free dining in South Australia: support and compliance among the community and restaurateurs. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health 2002;26(1):38–44. Available from: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/118960577/abstract
21. Miller CL and Hickling JA. Phased in smoke-free workplace laws: impact in grass-roots pubs and clubs in South Australia. Health Promotion Journal of Australia 2007;18(1):26–32. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17501708
22. Tobacco Control Research and Evaluation. Key Smoking Statistics for SA-2008. Adelaide: Cancer Council South Australia, 2008. Available from: http://www.cancersa.org.au/cms_resources/Key_%20Smoking_Statistic_for_SA_2008_web_layout.pdf
23. Market and Communications Research. Tobacco Laws Campaign evaluation. Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Australia: Queensland Health, 2006.
24. Cancer Institute NSW. NSW Smokers' Attitudes and Beliefs Changes Over Three Years. Sydney: Cancer Institute of NSW, 2008. Available from: http://www.cancerinstitute.org.au/cancer_inst/publications/pdfs/pm-2008-01_smoking-attitudes-and-beliefs.pdf
25. Cancer Institute NSW. New South Wales Smoking and Health Survey. Sydney: Cancer Institute of NSW, 2009. Available from: http://www.cancerinstitute.org.au/cancer_inst/publications/pdfs/web09-287-02_nsw-smoking-and-health-survey_November-2009.PDF
26. Centre for Epidemiology and Research. NSW Population Health Survey: 2008 report on adult health. Sydney: NSW Department of Health, 2009 viewed April 2011. Available from: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/PublicHealth/surveys/hsa/08/toc/t_2_beh_12_smoking.asp
27. Letcher T, Black C, Lipscomb J and Durkin S. Would smokefree pubs and bars influence attendance by the Victorian public, 2000–2003? . CBRC Research Paper Series no. 13 Melbourne, Australia: Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, The Cancer Council Victoria, 2005. Available from: http://www.cancervic.org.au/browse.asp?ContentID=abstracts_smokefree_pubs
28. McCarthy M, Melbourne, Australia: Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria. Attitudes about smoking at various outdoor areas: Findings from the 2004 – 2007 Smoking and Health Population Surveys (personal communication). Fiona Sharkie Kylie Lindorff and Edwina Pearse, 2008.
29. Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer. Attitudes towards smoking in outdoor areas: topline research report from the 2009 population survey. Melbourne, Australia: Cancer Council Victoria. 2010.
30. Cotter T, Perez D, Dessaix A, Crawford J, Denney J, Murphy M, et al. NSW smokers' attitudes and beliefs: changes over three years. Sydney: Cancer Institute NSW, 2008. Available from: http://www.cancerinstitute.org.au/cancer_inst/publications/pdfs/pm-2008-01_smoking-attitudes-and-beliefs.pdf
31. Tobacco Control Research and Evaluation Program. Community support for smoke-free cars legislation: findings from new South Australian Research. May. Adelaide: Cancer Council South Australia, 2008. Available from: http://www.cancersa.org.au/cms_resources/200805%20Community%20Support%20for%20SF%20Car%20Legislation.pdf
32. Walsh RA, Paul CL, Tzelepis F, Stojanovski E and Tang A. Is government action out-of-step with public opinion on tobacco control? Results of a New South Wales population survey. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health 2008;32(5):482–8. Available from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1753-6405.2008.00284.x/full
33. Corti B, Holman CD, Donovan RJ, Coten NJ, Dennis JR, Frizzell SK, et al. Public attitudes to smoke-free areas in sports venues. Medical Journal of Australia 1995;162(11):612. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7791652