| Abstract: | ABSTRACT This study assessed the opinion of Kentucky consumers regarding smoking policies in restaurants. It examined differences in opinion between smokers, nonsmokers, and former smokers, and predicted restaurant behavior if a smoking ban was enacted. Data was collected through a telephone survey in winter 2003, yielding 825 interviews. There were no significant differences in frequency of eating out between the three smoking status groups. Significantly, different reactions to smoking bans were found with regard to certain demographics: smoking status, place of residence, and education. Smokers believed smoking in restaurants is less of a problem than nonsmokers and former smokers, whereas nonsmokers and former smokers were more likely to choose a restaurant based on it being smoke-free and to believe smoking makes dining out less enjoyable. Nonsmokers and former smokers are significantly more likely than smokers to predict that they will dine out more or about the same if a smoking ban is implemented, whereas smokers are significantly more likely to eat out less. Implications for the hospitality industry are discussed. |
