Hospitality Venues' Anti-tobacco Legislation Violation in 11 Different Cities in Türkiye

In Türkiye, anti-tobacco legislation (Law No. 4207 on the Prevention and Control of Harms of Tobacco Products) aims to ensure a "tobacco-free" life for current and future generations. However, there are observations of violations in the hospitality sector. In this study, we aimed to observe the hospitality venues' violation status regarding the Law in 11 different cities in Türkiye. In this descriptive study, 772 hospitality venues in Ankara, Burdur, Diyarbakır, Giresun, Hatay, Istanbul, İzmir, Kars, Kayseri, Samsun, and Zonguldak cities were observed between August 1 and October 10, 2023. Google Forms®, Microsoft Excel® and SPSS® 23.0 programs were used for data collection, entry, and analysis. A logistic regression model was performed to understand the associations between the noncompliance and the characteristics of the venues. During the observation of the indoor spaces, tobacco products were used in 282 venues (37.1%). Noncompliance in bars-pubs, traditional coffee houses, and hookah cafes was statistically significantly higher than in other venue types (OR = 3.031, 95% CI 1.699 to 5.408, P < .001). Having a retractable roof and/or side wall (OR = 5.362, 95% CI 3.518 to 8.173, P < .001), later hour observations (OR = 2.120, 95% CI 1.399 to 3.212, P < 0.001), existence of outdoor venues where smoking is permitted (OR = 3.165, 95% CI 2.170 to 4.617, P < .001) also increased indoor violations. The study findings provided scientific evidence that violations of the Turkish anti-tobacco legislation exist in hospitality venues. The public authority is recommended to play its vital role in the prevention of violations in indoor spaces.