Expanding smoke-free communities: attitudes and beliefs surrounding smoke-free casinos and bars in Washoe County, Nevada

Abstract

Background: In 2006, Nevada voters approved the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act, which prohibited smoking in many public places but exemptions still allowed smoking in casinos and 21-and-over bars. The 2016 Nevada Adult Tobacco Survey showed support for prohibiting smoking in casinos (52.9%) and bars (44.6%) but a more detailed understanding of the current level of support-or lack thereof-for 100% smoke-free locations in Washoe County is needed.Methods: A web-based survey was administered to Washoe county residents (n=305) asking them about their attitudes and beliefs regarding smoking in casinos and bars.Results: 60% of residents (and 74% of non-smokers) indicated they would favor a law prohibiting tobacco smoking in all casinos in Washoe County. Similarly, 63% of residents (and 74% of non-smokers) indicated they would favor a law prohibiting tobacco smoking in all bars. Only 24% of residents (and 15% of nonsmokers) oppose the prohibition of tobacco smoking in casinos and bars. 77% of residents dislike smelling like smoke after visiting a casino or bar and 65% agree that smoke bothers them in these establishments. A majority of residents would both be more likely to visit a casino and bar and also find them more enjoyable if they were completely smoke-free. 79% of residents believe customers should be able to breathe smoke-free air while only 21% believe businesses should be able to decide.Conclusions: Growing support for smoke-free casinos and bars indicates this should be a priority discussion in protecting the health of Washoe County citizens.

Environmental determinants of infectious and chronic disease prevention behaviours: A systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative research

“…And not the government telling us, you shouldn’t do this, because again with the slippery slope. Where does it end?” ( Crosbie et al, 2020 )…”

“…Where does it end?" (Crosbie et al, 2020) Sociocultural environment -group formation Cultural identity (n = 34). Across smoking and COVID-19 literature, differences were observed in societal norms across cultures and religions regarding preventive health behaviours.…”

Measuring air quality in smoking and nonsmoking areas of Nevada casinos (Reno/Sparks): Potential exposure of minors to secondhand smoke

“…Given the gaps in protection offered by the 2006 NCIAA, it is important for policymakers in Nevada to amend the NCIAA and prohibit smoking in all public places including casinos and bars in Nevada. Policymakers in Nevada have stated they would strengthen the NCIAA if their constituents supported such a move [ 31 ] and a recent survey of local Reno and Sparks citizens found that 74 % of non-smokers indicated they would favor a law prohibiting smoking in all casinos [ 19 ]. If policymakers are unable to amend the NCIAA and support for smoke-free casinos continues to increase, health advocates could also help create and support a statewide ballot measure to bring this decision to Nevada voters.…”

“…Given that most casinos in Nevada advertise their properties as family friendly establishments, the NCIAA is increasingly seen as out of date. Families choose to frequent the restaurants, arcades, spas, bowling allies, among other family activities [ 19 ]. We are not aware of studies that have focused on the exposure to minors in casinos or the application of low-cost real-time mobile sensors, and accompanying mobile apps, which have the potential to support widespread community deployment and data-driven community activity.…”