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Smoking in Public Places
A Consultation on Reducing Exposure to Second Hand Smoke
Key Findings from Focus Group Research

CHAPTER FOUR: PAASSIVE SMOKING: ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOUR

4.1 Having ascertained views on the consultation itself, it is important to understand attitudes to smoking in general and how these have changed recently as well as respondents' views on environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and its impact. This chapter also explores the current associations of smoking with drinking, relaxing and having fun and then goes on to address how passive smoking affects the behaviour of the general population and whether certain social activities are affected by concerns to avoid smoky environments.

SPECTRUM OF OPINION

4.2 After speaking to individuals in the focus groups, it is evident that there continues to be a wide range of opinion on the subject of passive smoking. The impact of ETS is viewed quite differently by different individuals. For some, it is a pressing problem, for others it is not such a significant concern. For some, it is also only one of a number of environmental considerations that impact on the environment such as car fumes or other pollutants.

4.3 For the purposes of analysis, it is useful to set the scene with a continuum of views and opinions ranging from the more extreme perspective at either end, where individuals hold stark opinions either for or against a complete ban, through a middle range of more moderate opinions.

4.4 Brief descriptions are given for the each of the three positions but these should be considered as 'illustrative types' rather than representing the opinion of any one individual. In reality opinions are never entirely fixed, but vary depending on the social context in which an individual is expressing their view. These descriptions are provided to give an indication of the range of views. The people we spoke to can be positioned along the continuum.

Hard core smoker

4.5 At one end of the continuum is the hard core smoker. This individual believes that they have a basic right not just to smoke, but to smoke wherever they wish. The hard core smoker is already perturbed about the level of restrictions that currently exist and feel that these in themselves constitute a severe infringement on their right to smoke. They feel that non-smokers can choose to avoid smoky environments if they do not wish to be subjected to them. The hard core smoker is also likely to deny, disbelieve or ignore the health implications of active and passive smoking. As far as the latter is concerned, they are doubtful that the health implications of this are particularly significant. Additionally, they often justify their views by focussing on other forms of environmental damage which they claim are more dangerous than smoking.

4.6 The hard core smoker is against the introduction of any legislation banning smoking in enclosed public places as this is viewed as an infringement of their rights and choices and an unnecessary inconvenience.

Hard core anti-smoker

4.7 At the opposite end of the continuum is situated the hard core anti-smoker. This is the individual who is very intolerant of second hand smoke, strongly objects to smokers smoking in their presence, believes that smokers are largely "inconsiderate" and "selfish", and actively avoids smoky places as best they can. In some cases, the smoke intolerant individual may have specific reasons for their views. They may suffer from asthma. They may have had parents who smoked when they were children and have grown to dislike the smell. They may have had friends or relatives who are ill or have died of smoking related diseases.

4.8 These individuals are generally in favour of a complete ban on smoking in public places. Furthermore, some would like the ban to be extended further than is currently proposed as they find smoking on the street, at the bus stop and outside buildings to affect them negatively.

The middle ground: moderates

4.9 In the middle ground are those who have a more moderate and tolerant view of the smoking issue. Those in the middle ground comprise smokers, non-smokers and ex-smokers. These individuals are able to respect the views of both the smoker and the non-smoker and recognise that both groups have particular needs, desires and expectations. These individuals understand a smoker's need to smoke but they are also sympathetic to increasing demands for smoke free environments. They are less likely to deny the health implications of smoking, but also remember that every person has the right to choose for themselves. The moderates are less likely to favour an out and out ban, but would prefer to see alternative or partial measures being implemented.

4.10 In the course of the focus groups we encountered individuals from various positions across the spectrum ranging between the two extremes. In the social reality, individuals are not starkly positioned as described above and may combine different aspects of these opinions. We should also point out here that it is impossible to say categorically that "smokers" hold one particular view and "non" or ex-smokers hold another, opposing view. We cannot say, for example that smokers are against the ban and non-smokers are in favour. As qualitative research reveals, it is never as simple as that. The focus groups have identified the subtleties and nuances in an individual's opinions on any subject, which are frequently impacted by multiple factors going on in a person's life.

4.11 In the focus groups, we sometimes found smokers and non or ex-smokers broadly sharing opinions about particular issues. Moreover, it was not unusual to find a smoker in favour of a complete ban, for one reason or another, whilst sometimes the non/ex-smoker was sometimes against, because they support the right of others to smoke.

4.12 Many respondents are recognising that the way that smoking is viewed in contemporary society is gradually changing. Smoking is losing the glamorous image it once had and it is far less fashionable as far fewer people indulge in the habit. It is increasingly regarded as an anti-social habit, although most respondents focus on the harm smoking does to the smoker rather than making a spontaneous association between smoking and secondary tobacco smoke. There is also some recognition that smoking is an addiction that has to be addressed, and suggest that support mechanisms for smoking cessation need to be offered to the general public. There is very little awareness of any smoking cessation schemes currently operating within different local authorities.

4.13 Respondents also indicate that there are marked changes in the degree to which smoking is tolerated in comparison with previous years. Smokers are well aware that wider society has become far less tolerant of their habit as there are increasing restrictions on where they are permitted to smoke.

" In this day and age there are an awful lot of people who are anti smoking."
(Edinburgh, young people)

4.14 In most workplaces, smokers face restrictions on where they can smoke - often being obliged to go outside to smoke. ¹⁴ Smoking is also restricted in many public places. The details of these are discussed in chapter six.

4.15 As previously noted, there is an increasingly strong sense that the time for change is coming. Some respondents are increasingly feeling that the requirements of non-smokers should be prioritised or at least given equal treatment. The provision of non-smoking environments is increasingly regarded by some as first and foremost, and smokers' requirements a secondary requirement rather than the other way around.

4.16 In line with this decrease in tolerance, both smokers and non/ex-smokers recognise that some non-smokers are more likely to complain directly to a smoker if their second hand smoke is bothering them. However, a number of non-smokers still find it difficult to directly approach a smoker in a public place with a request to stop smoking. A number of smokers claim that they are more likely to respect the demands of non-smokers not to smoke in their presence, even if they are in a place where smoking is permitted.

"If I was sitting next to someone and they said, 'Excuse me, I know this is a smoking area but do you mind not smoking. I can't stand it.' I would put it out because I would hope that they would do the same for me if I felt like that."
(Aberdeen, smoker, manufacturing, engineering, construction and transport)

4.17 They also believe themselves to be more aware that the smell of smoke is offensive to non-smokers than they were in the past, in part recognising that smokers tend not to realise or understand the significance of the smell as they themselves are less sensitive to it.

4.18 Smoking in other people's houses is also increasingly recognised as an unacceptable act and the majority of smokers appear to respect this.

4.19 A number of smokers also admit that they themselves dislike an excessively smoky environment. For example, most respondents are not keen on other people smoking in a restaurant when they are eating.

4.20 What does need to be noted though, is that many respondents distinguish between certain public places where they think that smoking should still be tolerated, and those where smoking should be banned. Many respondents (including non and ex-smokers) are against an outright ban on smoking in pubs, although most are also in favour of a ban in restaurants, in pub areas where food is served or in areas where there are children. Additionally, a small number of respondents identify a potential problem with banning smoking in hospitals, nursing homes or prisons. Because these places are effectively an individual's private home as well as an enclosed public place as members of the public work are employed in them, some respondents feel that it would be contradictory to ban smoking here. Yet at the same time, it is recognised that the legislation should cover all employees equally.

4.21 Despite the sea change in attitude toward smoking, some smokers and non/ex-smokers continue to feel that smokers have the right to smoke, and that smoking is a matter of personal choice. They argue that if cigarettes are legal and that they are willing to pay high taxes to the government in order to purchase them, then they should be allowed to smoke them wherever they wish.

4.22 Some smokers also point out that they have to smoke out of necessity because they are addicted to the habit. A smoker must and will always find a place to smoke.

"If you smoke, you smoke, regardless. You've got to do it all the time."
(Inverness, smoker, licensed trade and hospitality)

4.23 The shifting attitudes towards smoking have also left some smokers feeling victimised and discriminated against. Some smokers feel that they are treated like second class citizens.

4.24 For some respondents (mostly smokers), any suggestion of a ban on smoking in public places is tantamount to the greatest of injustices, a removal of choice. They are particularly concerned about the impact that it will have directly on their convenience and comfort. They point out that smoking is already severely restricted in many places. In their view, they are not able to smoke in the majority of public places and it is increasingly difficult for them to find any place where they can smoke. They report that smoking areas indoors are now rarely provided for them. These are strong concerns which make most smokers wary about the introduction of legislation restricting their activities further. Further discussion on reactions to the proposed legislation are discussed in chapter seven.

4.25 Some smokers also recognise that the freedom of choice argument that they are using means that non-smokers also have the right to avoid breathing in their second hand smoke. Those smokers who recognise that their right to smoke infringes on another person's right to a smoke free environment, suggest that some provisions are made for smokers in enclosed public places, in the form of a separate room or area to smoke.

4.26 Other smokers are less understanding of the non-smokers' predicament, arguing that non-smokers have the choice to avoid going to smoky environments such as pubs and bars which they know will be smoky.

4.27 While many non and ex-smokers would like to see the numbers of those smoking reduced and are broadly supportive of measures that can help bring this about, it needs to be borne in mind that some of these individuals also support others' right to smoke.

4.28 A small number of respondents who are non-smokers comment that it is up to the smoker to make the choice and not to have the "state" impose its views on smokers in a "big brother" fashion. In some instances, non-smokers comment that they would be happy to continue socialising in pubs if there was no ban on smoking.

4.29 Many respondents note that there is a significant habitual connection between smoking and alcohol consumption. As many smokers admit, drinking alcohol stimulates a craving for tobacco and, therefore, the two habits go hand in hand for many smokers. Many smokers note that they smoke considerably more when they are drinking.

"When you drink, you smoke more. It's a fact of life."
(Inverness, licensed trade and hospitality)

4.30 There are also a number of people who report that they do not smoke regularly and perhaps would not classify themselves as a smoker, but smoke when they are drinking and socialising in the pub with their friends. These part-time smokers tend to smoke in the evenings or at the weekend only.

4.31 It is clear that, for the typical smoker, smoking and drinking are often closely associated with relaxation. Smoking and drinking are considered to be some of the most effective ways of winding down after a stressful day at work. These activities are commonly conducted with friends in the pub and this reflects the fact that for some people, a great deal of leisure time and social life revolves around the pub and drinking alcohol.

4.32 By the same token, smoking is sometimes associated with having fun and being sociable. Many smokers note the immediate bond they have with another smoker. They will strike up a conversation with another smoker sharing a light or offering a cigarette. Thus smoking is regarded as a sociable habit because people enjoy it together. Some smokers also claim that they have more fun than non-smokers. They have a more relaxed attitude to life and tend to live for the moment.

"There's better crack in the smoking room at our work… The amount of laughter and fun and joviality and socialising going on in the non-smoking coffee room is zero…In the smoking room all you hear is people chatting away, laughing, joking, maybe doing a bit of business and then there are no seats left in the smoking room because the non-smokers are coming in to enjoy themselves, so smokers are having to stand up."
(Aberdeen, manufacturing, engineering, construction and transport)

Pub Culture

4.33 In line with the associations with relaxation and drinking alcohol noted above, there is also a strong association between smoking and the pub. Many respondents note that pubs and bars are the last few enclosed public places where smoking is still permitted. There is a deeply ingrained assumption in the minds of some respondents (not simply smokers) that smoking is part and parcel of a pub's atmosphere. There is still broadly unquestioning acceptance that pubs are environments that are very likely to be smoky and smoking in the pub is still largely viewed as acceptable. For some, this is a deeply ingrained assumption, a social norm. Some individuals express a sense of nostalgia about the pub and its smoky atmosphere.

"I used to live in the United States and I would love coming back to Scotland because you would go to the pub and it would be a proper pub, you know? It would be smoky, you'd get the smell of beer, there would be a bit of crack, a bit of banter gong on and there was a nice atmosphere."
(Aberdeen, smoker, manufacturing, engineering, construction and transport)

4.34 Many respondents find it extremely hard to envisage smoke free pubs, clubs and bars in Scotland although this may reflect the fact that they have never experienced them here.

4.35 In consequence, the onus continues to be on non-smokers to tolerate second hand smoke when they enter pub environments, and many smokers with non-smoking friends seem to accept this. Many non/ex-smokers say that they are willing to or choose to tolerate smoky pubs or restaurants especially if they have friends who smoke, with whom they wish to socialise.

4.36 There is a view that was expressed in the focus groups that non-smokers can choose not to go to pubs, and other venues where it will be smoky, therefore, there is not a real need to enforce non-smoking legislation on pubs, clubs and restaurants. Some respondents suggest separate or segregated smoking areas in pubs, particularly in preference to an outright ban. This is discussed in greater detail in chapter seven.

4.37 Despite the tolerance of smoky environments that many individuals show, many respondents report that they dislike smoky atmospheres, especially those that are poorly ventilated. This is a factor that sometimes affects their choice of pub or restaurant. Whilst predominantly the non/ex-smoking respondents complain most vociferously about smoky environments, a number of smokers also admit disliking excessively smoky environments. Often the reasons for avoiding smoky venues are because of the dislike of the smell of smoke, particularly because it lingers on hair and clothes. Respondents also voice concern for the health implications of second hand smoking as a factor motivating them to seek less smoky venues.

4.38 When planning an evening out, some individuals will select a venue that they know is either non-smoking or has reasonable ventilation as this will increase their comfort. However, these concerns may not always be significant enough to strongly impact on the decision on where to spend a night out. It is one factor amongst a number of other considerations such as price, location, size, clientele, business, distance from home and dress code. And sometimes they may not be in a position to make the choice, if another person has organised the evening.

4.39 However, there is also a sense amongst many respondents that they lack real choice because, in their opinion, most social venues are smoky. The only choice they have is to not go out and socialise at all and for most young people this is not an acceptable option.

"It makes no difference where you go, because they are all smoky…and, if you want to go out and socialise in a pub or club in Scotland then … you know what I mean…if you want to go out and have a good time with your friends, go to someone's birthday party…you are not going to miss someone's birthday are you?"
(non-smoker, Edinburgh, young people)

4.40 Much of this chapter has covered respondents' opinions on smoking in pubs, clubs and restaurants, reflecting that much of the discussion in focus groups was concerned with this. This perhaps reflects the fact that these are considered to be the main enclosed public areas where ETS is likely to impact on non-smoking members of the public. However, there was also some discussion on smoking in other types of public places. One debate of concern surrounds the issue of defining a hospital, care home or prison as an enclosed public place when, at the same time, these are some peoples' homes. There are also other workplaces where smoking continues to be permitted, sometimes with negative implications for other people at work.

4.41 Views on smoking in other enclosed public places including different types of work places are discussed in chapter 6.

4.42 Some respondents (both smokers and non/ex-smokers) said that they would prefer intermediate measures rather than an outright ban. These include the following:

Designated/ separated areas: There are a number of options that could be introduced ranging from completely separated areas provided for smokers, to designated zones within a given enclosed public area. Some perceived problems are associated with enforcing this proposal which are discussed in greater detail in chapter 7.

It was noted by the respondents that designated areas are currently provided for smokers in some public places such as airports or train stations and that these are effective in providing for the needs of both smokers and non-smokers, and respondents often perceive such provision to largely protect non-smokers from the effects of ETS.

Restrictions where children are present: Many respondents are aware that there are already child friendly areas created within many public places including restaurants and pubs as well as other public places where children are present. There is a feeling that this should be extended to cover all enclosed public places, or at least those places where children are likely to be present. There is a view that while children are too young to make a choice for themselves, that this should choice be taken for them for the benefit of their health.

Public buildings: One argument that some respondents consider acceptable is the banning of smoking in all public buildings and offices to set a good example to other employers. One respondent mentioned that this has been introduced in parts of Australia and it is considered to be a reasonable restriction.

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