Policy adoption for a tobacco-free family entertainment venue: No smoking at the zoo

Secondhand smoke (SHS) continues to be a major health problem that increases risks of respiratory problems like asthma, emphysema, and cancer. Voluntary tobacco-free policies in family venues provide the opportunity to implement a permanent mechanism to prevent exposure to SHS. The purpose of this study was to determine support for the adoption of a voluntary tobacco-free policy for Chaffee Zoo. Procedures: A seven-item survey was administered to a convenience sample of Zoo patrons. The survey questions addressed demographic information, smoking status, smoking-related illnesses, knowledge of health/illness effects of second hand smoke exposure), and support for the adoption of permanent policies to make Chaffee Zoo entirely tobacco-free and to not accept tobacco industry funding or donations. Results: A total of 264 surveys were completed by patrons at Chaffee Zoo, with 109 in English and 155 in Spanish. Over three-fourths (87.5%) of the participants reported they did not smoke. Over 90% of the participants indicated that they would support the adoption of a policy to make the Zoo entirely tobacco-free and 69.6% indicated that they would support a policy not to accept Tobacco Industry funding or donations. Pearson Chi-Square revealed that females were more likely to support the adoption of a tobacco-free policy (c² = 11.935, df = 4, p=.018). Females were more likely to support the adoption of a non-acceptance of tobacco industry funding policy (c² = 11.201, df = 4, p=.024). Further findings and recommendations will be discussed.