Cheers! Breathing easier and smoking less: One year later

Objective: To examine the impact of smoke-free workplace ordinances on the health and attitudes of bartenders working in two Wisconsin cities, and assess associated patterns of bartender tobacco consumption and cessation. Methods: Data were collected from two large samples of bartenders via mail questionnaires assessing sociodemographic characteristics, bartending status and tenure, bartender smoking status, hours of secondhand smoke exposure, prevalence of eight upper respiratory symptoms, attitudes towards smoking in bars and restaurants, and perceptions of risk related to secondhand smoke exposure. Employing a cross-sectional research design, pre-ordinance data were collected 2 months prior to the ordinances (N=793); post-ordinance data were collected approximately one year later (N=735). Results: Mean level of exposure to secondhand smoke decreased significantly at work, home, and in other places. The prevalence of eight upper respiratory symptoms was significantly lower during the post-ordinance period among non-smokers; Smokers reported a significant reduction of two symptoms. Support for banning smoking in bars and restaurants increased significantly. Perceived level of health risk associated with exposure to secondhand smoke increased significantly among non-smokers. Level of bartender smoking decreased. Conclusions: Smoke-free workplace ordinances can reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and improve associated upper respiratory health among employees. Such ordinances can also help employees reduce personal tobacco use. Further, they can educate employees on the risks associated with secondhand smoke exposure, and help them appreciate the right to work in a smoke-free environment. Moreover, these findings suggest the long-term risk of associated chronic conditions may also be reduced by instituting smoke-free workplace ordinances.