Support for smoke-free restaurants among Massachusetts adults, 1992-1999

Objectives. The authors examined trends and predictors of public support for smoke-free restaurants in Massachusetts. Methods. Since 1992, the Massachusetts Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System has asked survey respondents about their attitudes toward smoking in restaurants. Analyses using data from 1992 to 1999 characterized changes over time in support for smoke-free restaurants and the role of demographic and smoking-related factors in predicting support. Results. During 1992 to 1999, the rate of support for smoke-free restaurants increased from 37.5% to 59.8%, with similar increases among current, former, and never smokers. After adjustment for smoking status, support was associated with socioeconomic characteristics, race/ethnicity, and household smoking rules. Among current smokers, lighter smokers and those who were trying to quit were more likely to endorse smoke-free restaurants. Conclusions. There has been a substantial increase in support for smoke-free restaurants among both smokers and nonsmokers in Massachusetts.