Abstract
BackgroundThe Tobacco Products Control Act, No. 83 of 1993 was introduced in South Africa in 1993. Due to the shortfalls of the 1993 Act, the Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act, No. 12 of 1999 was passed in 1999. The regulation relating to smoking of tobacco products in public places was gazetted in 2000 and implemented in 2001.SettingThe setting for the study was all selected registered licensed bar-lounges including restaurants within the municipality.Purpose of the studyTo examine compliance levels with the current smoke-free regulation at bar-lounges and restaurants in Thulamela Municipality.Objectives of the studyTo observe whether structural alterations had been effected to accommodate smoking patrons. To observe whether tobacco-related litter was present in non-smoking areas and in the outdoor areas within 5 meters of windows and entry ways. To observe whether individuals or groups engaged in smoking in non-smoking areas.MethodsAn observational survey was conducted to measure the level of compliance by lounges and restaurants in Thulamela Municipality. A convenience sampling method was used to sample 56 bar-lounges, including restaurants. Data were collected using an observation log. Collected data were analysed using SPSS 20.0.ResultsThe study findings noted low compliance with the legislation with only one establishment (1.8%) complying with the requirements of the legislation.ConclusionThe level of compliance with the legislation is in a very low state in Thulamela Municipality. Further research is needed to explore factors influencing non-compliance with the regulation.
Highlights
The World Health Assembly, the governing body of the World Health Organization (WHO) since 1976, recommended that the governments of its member states should give serious consideration to legislative measures for control of tobacco epidemic. This initiative was later reaffirmed by introduction of WHO Frame work Convention on Tobacco Control, which urged its member states to ensure the protection from exposure to environmental tobacco smoke
The majority of the smokers were visitors (95.7), while both employees and visitors who were smoking were seen in two establishments (4.3%)
The South African legislation is guided by WHO resolutions and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which urges its member states to ensure protection from involuntary tobacco smoke
Summary
The World Health Assembly, the governing body of the World Health Organization (WHO) since 1976, recommended that the governments of its member states should give serious consideration to legislative measures for control of tobacco epidemic. This initiative was later reaffirmed by introduction of WHO Frame work Convention on Tobacco Control, which urged its member states to ensure the protection from exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. Setting: The setting for the study was all selected registered licensed bar-lounges including restaurants within the municipality. Purpose of the study: To examine compliance levels with the current smoke-free regulation at bar-lounges and restaurants in Thulamela Municipality
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