Attitudes toward smokefree bar policy among young adult bar patrons: A study in las vegas

Objective: Bars and nightclubs are public venues where young adults often congregate and use both tobacco and alcohol. Las Vegas, Nevada has not implemented smokefree bar laws. We examined Las Vegas young adult bar patrons' attitudes toward smokefree bar policies.

Methods: Cross-sectional survey of bar patrons aged 18-30 using randomized time location sampling (N=2557, response rate: 63%). We used multivariate logistic regression models to examine factors associated with support for the adoption of smokefree bar law in Nevada and the same/higher frequency of going to bars if the law is implemented, controlling for demographics.

Results: 40% of participants supported a smokefree bar law, and 72% reported they would go to smokefree bars at a same or higher frequency. Among smokers, 31% supported the law and 62% reported same/higher bar-going frequency if law is implemented. Ever receiving quit assistance was associated with support for the law. Patrons reporting occasional binge drinking and secondhand smoke exposure at bars also reported they would attend smokefree bars at the same/higher frequency. Occasional drinking, attitudes against smoking, secondhand smoke and tobacco industry predicted both types of support outcomes; whereas current smoking, regular smoking, intention for future smoking and stronger smoking social norms were negatively associated with support for smokefree bars.

Discussion: While most young adult bar patrons are not in favor of smokefree bar laws, the majority of them reported they would maintain the same bar-going frequency if a law were implemented, including smokers. Smoking cessation efforts may increase support for smokefree bar policies.