Smoking bans lack public support

Anti-smoking groups claims that there is widespread support for smoking bans highlights the problem with information spewing from anti-smoking radicals - it differs significantly from reality.

• 1999 The Ontario Tobacco Research Unit (OTRU) survey showed only 12% of Ontario residents 18 or older support a total smoking ban in bars with only 28% supporting a total smoking ban in restaurants.
• OTRU’s 2002 follow-up survey, showed only 19% of Ontario residents 18 or older support a total smoking ban in bars and only 35% supporting a total smoking ban in restaurants.
• A Canada-wide survey to compare Ontarians’ preference for a total smoking ban on smoking in restaurants and bars with other provinces revealed consistent results. Only 24% of Canadians supported a total ban smoking ban in bars; only 37% in restaurants.
• A study published in the January 2003 issue of the Canadian Journal of Public Health found only 14% of Ontarians support a complete ban in bars and taverns. Only 37% of Canadians support a complete ban on smoking in restaurants.
• Gallup polling in July 2003 suggests similar sentiments are also held by Americans. Only 25% favour a total smoking ban in hotels. While 45% favour a total ban smoking in restaurants and 52% favour areas that are set aside for smoking.
• Similar research shows a strong lack of support for smoking bans by the British public where only 17% of all adults believe smoking should be banned in pubs, clubs, and bars.