The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: Explore whether owners/managers would want to establish smoke-free or designated places; Identify public places within the Accra metropolis which will be smoke free; Determine owners/managers views about ETS; Have a sensitisation workshop for selected owners/managers; Produce materials needed for these facilities e.g. signs for-walls, doors, table stand, posters; Evaluate whether these places have been able to be tobacco free and impact on business; Disseminate findings to policy makers, tourist board and stake holders.

Methods: In-depth Interviews were held with 151 owners/managers in the hospitality industry. Sensitization workshop held for owners/managers. Materials would be produced with the group and pre-tested. Final materials would be produced and distributed to these places. It is expected that Owners/ managers - will know and understand diseases associated with cigarette smoking; put up no smoking signs; make their places smoke-free; prevent customers from smoking and customers to enjoy a smoke-free environments.

Results: 51.7% owners/managers interviewed had informal policies preventing smoking in their organisation. 99.3% managers/owners did not permit staff to smoke while on duty. 49.0% indicated that the existence of a ban would make no difference. Majority 59.6% indicated their wiliness to make their establishment completely tobacco smoke-free but needed assistance in IEC materials showing harmful effects of smoking; GHS to produce formal policy. Strategies in controlling use of tobacco: 43.7% said smoking should be banned inside and outside property, 61.6% said cigarette advertisement should be ban, 62.9% were of the view tax on tobacco products should be increased.