Smoky bars and restaurants: who avoids them and why?

The objective of this study was to provide new insight into who avoids smoky places, the types of places they avoid, and the reasons they give. A representative sample of Massachusetts adults (N = 4,929) was surveyed by telephone during 1995 and 1996. Forty-six percent of non-smokers reported having avoided a smoky place. Reasons were aversion to the lingering smell (34.8%) and health issues (31.9%). Many adults avoid restaurants and bars because of the expectation of excessive environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Patronage may increase after smoke-free policies are implemented and nonsmokers become aware of the opportunity to dine in establishments free of ETS.