Changes of attitudes and patronage behaviors in response to a smoke-free bar law.

OBJECTIVES: We examined patron responses to a California smoke-free bar law. METHODS: Three telephone surveys measured attitudes and behavior changes after implementation of the law. RESULTS: Approval of the law rose from 59.8% to 73.2% (odds ratio [OR] = 1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.58, 2.40). Self-reported noncompliance decreased from 24.6% to 14.0% (OR = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.30, 0.85). Likelihood of visiting a bar or of not changing bar patronage after the law was implemented increased from 86% to 91% (OR = 1.76; 95% CI = 1.29, 2.40). CONCLUSIONS: California bar patrons increasingly support and comply with the smoke-free bar law.