The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: To demonstrate the various reasons to perform studies on the implementation of a smoke-free restaurant policy based on experience in Sweden.

Methods: Ninety-one employees in the hospitality sector were studied before and 4 and 12 months after the introduction of a smoking ban on June 1, 2005. Respiratory and sensory symptoms, spirometry, own tobacco use behaviours, self-reported and objectively recorded exposure of second-hand smoke, urine cotinine levels as well as attitudes to the smoking ban were recorded.

Results: At the 4 month follow-up a substantial reduction in exposure and reported symptoms were found. More findings are reported in another presentation at the WCTOH. Other aspects of the study are regarded, however, as important as those concerning the health of the employees: · Constitutes a quality assurance study, imperative when introducing new regulations. · Enhances a positive attitude to the improved environment among employees and employers. · Stimulates smoking cessation among participants and staff. · Adds to the increasing body of positive evidence, to support and stimulate countries to implement smoke-free restaurant policies. · Keeps tobacco control in general on the media's agenda. · Promotes continued struggle for smoke-free policy in remaining workplaces, for example prisons.