Preference and requests for smoke‐free dining

Abstract: This study looked at whether people prefer to sit in smoking or smoke‐free areas when they go to cafes and restaurants. It also considered whether those who said they would prefer smoke‐free dining made this known when booking or going to a restaurant. The sample was 2387 Victorians, randomly selected and interviewed in their own homes. Overall, 68 per cent of respondents said they would prefer a nonsmoking area, and only 11 per cent preferred a smoking area. Even among smokers, less than half (42 per cent) wanted to sit in a smoking area. Of those people who wanted smoke‐free dining only 45 per cent said they always made this known. The results demonstrate strong community desire for smoke‐free dining but also point to the need for restaurant managers or the dining public to take the initiative, or for legislative action to ensure the provision of smoke‐free areas.