Defining Tobacco-Free Space: Low Anti-Tobacco Sign Compliance in Mumbai Coffee Shops

Introduction: Approximately 40% of Indian youth are exposed to tobacco smoke outside of their homes (GYTS, 2006).  There is substantial support for protection measures against secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure. The Tobacco Control Project India Report (2013) found wide support for smoking bans in public spaces (97.8%). Despite support for smoking bans, knowledge of regulations in India's tobacco control law COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003) to prevent SHS exposure remains low among smokers and non-smokers (69.0%). More than one third of surveyed individuals observed smoking in restaurants.

Methods: An observational survey was conducted in 92 randomly selected coffee shops across Mumbai in November 2013. Compliance with COTPA Section 4 (banning smoking in public places) was measured. Coffee shops were designated as having full compliance, incomplete compliance, or non-compliance.

Results: None of the coffee shops surveyed met COTPA requirements. Only 14.6% (n=13) of coffee shops displayed an anti-smoking sign of any kind. Only 6 coffee shops displayed a sign meeting size and language standards mandated by COTPA. However, despite limited compliance with the law, tobacco use was not observed in any coffee shop.

Discussion: While there is strong support for anti-smoking policies covered in COTPA, compliance in coffee shops, popular meeting places for youths in Mumbai, was minimal. However, despite anti-tobacco sign noncompliance, smoking was not observed. Given prevalent exposure to SHS among Indian youth, greater compliance with anti-smoking laws should be enforced. Research should examine the relationship between anti-smoking sign and tobacco use in public space in India.