Limited Impact of Smoking Bans on Commercial Outdoor Dining Area in a Smoking Hot Spot: A Case Study

Objectives: An evaluation of the implementation of smokefree commercial outdoor dining was carried out to evaluate proprietors’ awareness and preparedness for the implementation of Smoke-Free Outdoor Dining regulations in Liverpool, Australia. Methods: A pre-post assessment of the awareness and preparedness for smoke-free Commercial Outdoor Dining (COD) bans commencing in NSW on the 6 July 2015 was carried out at 19 COD premises in Liverpool’s Macquarie Mall by the Public Health Unit. Results: The study found limited effectiveness of the smoking bans in the area, despite a high level of awareness of key changes required and high level of preparedness for the smoke-free COD regulations. The majority of COD operators chose to provide a designated smoking area to allow patrons to continue to smoke legally. Over two thirds (69%) of operators were concerned/somewhat concerned about the impact of the bans on their business before the bans but decreased to 55% (10) after the bans. Conclusions: Once proprietors understood that they had options, a majority of COD operators chose to change their business operations in order to allow customers to lawfully continue to smoke. Implications for public health: Loopholes in COD regulations have resulted in consumers being increasingly exposed to smoke. A multi-sectoral approach is needed to review the legislation and protect consumers. ReSeARCh ARtiCle