The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: Evidence on the provision of smoke-free areas in restaurants is mainly derived from studies in industrialised countries. Evidence from industrialising countries is required for planning a well-co-ordinated approach to this public health problem in these countries. The objective of this study was to assess public opinion for tobacco control policies in restaurants.

Methods: In a population-based cross-sectional random digit dialing telephone survey 897 subjects age 15 years or over were randomly selected from November 2002 to January 2003.

Results: 94.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 93.5 to 96.4) supported a total smoking ban in restaurants. Experiences of discomfort or symptoms from second hand smoke in restaurants were common. The majority (60.9%; 95% CI 57.7 to 64.1) anticipated increase in their frequency of use of restaurants after a total ban. No changed use was predicted by 37.9% (95% CI 34.7 to 41.1), whereas only 0.7% (95% CI 0.3 to 1.5) stated that they would dine out less often. In multivariate analyses, non-smokers (adjusted odds ratio 3.2 (95% CI 1.3 to 7.5)) were more likely to support a total smoking ban in restaurants. Conclusion: This first comprehensive survey in Iran shows strong community support for smoke-free dining.