The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: In December 2004, South Australia introduced smoke-free workplace laws. The notable exception was a 3-year phase-in for licensed bars and gambling venues. Community opinions, patronage and smoking behaviour are being tracked, as are bar owners' opinions and compliance.

Methods: To measure the impact of Phase I, repeated cross-sectional surveys were conducted with bar managers (n=500) and the community (n=2000).

Results: Results will be presented from baseline and Time 1 surveys. Awareness of and support for smoke-free workplace laws (including hospitality settings) was high. Support for the phase-in measures and the 3-year delay was not as high, with less support among the community in general than the bar managers. Young adults (18-24 years) reported higher patronage of bars and heavier smoking in bar settings specifically. They reported greater impact of the new laws on their current smoking behaviour and (anticipated) future likelihood of quitting.

Conclusions: Smoke-free enclosed workplace and public places laws are popular and effective public health measures. Rigorous community surveys provide reliable predictions of their impact on patronage and enjoyment in hospitality venues. Evidence that they may also reduce smoking among young people is now emerging, as bars are social settings with potential to alter social norms about smoking and promote reduced consumption and quitting. Industry groups have lobbied hard to avoid or delay smoke-free bar laws to date and undoubtedly will continue to do so, where they are not yet in place. These findings reinforce the need to maintain and increase the momentum of smoke-free laws.