The Impact of a Smoke-Free Ordinance on the Health and Attitudes of Bartenders, One Year Later

Introduction: This report presents the findings from two cross-sectional studies designed to assess upper respiratory health symptoms and attitudes regarding secondhand smoke exposure among bartenders in Madison and Appleton, Wisconsin. The first study was conducted just prior to the implementation of smoke-free workplace ordinances, which occurred on July 1, 2005. The second study was conducted approximately one year later. Methods: Surveys conducted before and after the ordinances were implemented collected information on the number of hours exposed to secondhand smoke, prevalence of upper respiratory tract symptoms, attitudes towards smoking in bars and restaurants, and perceptions of risk related to secondhand smoke exposure. Results: Mean reported exposure to secondhand smoke during an average week decreased from about 21 hours to 2 hours in the workplace, from 8 hours to about 4 hours in other places, and from 4 hours to 3 hours in the home. Among non-smokers, the prevalence of all eight upper respiratory symptoms decreased significantly (wheezing or whistling in chest, shortness of breath, cough first thing in the morning, cough during the rest of the day and night, cough up any phlegm, red or irritated eyes, runny nose, nose irritation, or sneezing, and sore or scratchy throat). Among smokers, a significant reduction in red or irritated eyes, and sore or scratchy throat was observed. Support for not allowing smoking in bars that are also restaurants and in bars/taverns increased significantly. Perceived level of health risk associated with exposure to secondhand smoke increased significantly, except among smokers. 1 Dr. Palmersheim is an epidemiologist and Director of the Tobacco Surveillance and Evaluation Program, University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center. 2 Dr. Remington is Associate Director of Cancer Control and Outreach, University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center. 3 Dr. Wegner is Chronic Disease Medical Director within the Bureau of Community Health Promotion, Wisconsin Division of Public Health. 1 Suggested Citation: Palmersheim KA, Remington PL, Wegner MV. The Impact of a Smoke-free Ordinance on the Health and Attitudes of Bartenders, One Year Later. Tobacco Surveillance and Evaluation Program, University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Center, Madison, WI: March, 2007. 2 Conclusion: This study demonstrates a significant reduction in upper respiratory symptoms among bartenders following the establishment of smoke-free workplace ordinances in two Wisconsin cities, especially among non-smokers. These results suggest that this policy will help reduce the future risk of disease related to secondhand smoke among employees and patrons of bars in Madison and Appleton. In addition, the establishment of smoke-free ordinances can be accompanied by increased employee support for smoke-free environments over time.