Are smoke-free policies implemented and adhered to at sporting venues?

This study investigated the level of implementation of and adherence to smoke-free policies in two major sporting venues in Perth. Smoking status and attitude toward the smoke-free policies in the venues were determined in a random sample of spectators as they entered each venue. An observational study of randomly selected non-smoking seated areas in each venue was conducted on the same day to determine compliance with smoke-free policies. A butt-count was conducted to validate these observations. There was a high level of both awareness and agreement with the smoke-free policies, however, this level of agreement was higher in non-smokers than smokers. The results of the observational study and the butt-count indicated that the policies were implemented and there was a high level of adherence with the smoke-free policy at both venues. The results provide further evidence that smoke-free policies in sporting venues are both supported and adhered to by spectators. The implementation of the smoke-free policies at venues is highly effective in protecting non-smokers from the effects of environmental tobacco smoke.