# The impact of the Cyprus comprehensive smoking ban on air quality and economic business of hospitality venues

 Title: The impact of the Cyprus comprehensive smoking ban on air quality and economic business of hospitality venues Author: Christophi, Costas A.; Paisi, Martha; Pampaka, Despina; Kehagias, Martha; Vardavas, Constantine Ilias; Connolly, Gregrory N. Note: Order does not necessarily reflect citation order of authors. Citation: Christophi, Costas A, Martha Paisi, Despina Pampaka, Martha Kehagias, Constantine Vardavas, and Gregory N Connolly. 2013. The impact of the cyprus comprehensive smoking ban on air quality and economic business of hospitality venues. BMC Public Health 13: 76. Full Text & Related Files: 3567943.pdf (274.0Kb; PDF) Abstract: Background: Several countries, including Cyprus, have passed smoke-free legislations in recent years. The goal of this study was to assess the indoor levels of particulate matter in hospitality venues in Cyprus before and after the implementation of the law on 1/1/2010, evaluate the role of enforcement, and examine the legislation’s effect on revenue and employment. Methods: Several hospitality venues (n = 35) were sampled between April 2007 and January 2008, and 21 of those were re-sampled after the introduction of the smoking ban, between March and May 2010. Data on enforcement was provided by the Cyprus Police whereas data on revenue and employment within the hospitality industry of Cyprus were obtained from the Cyprus Statistical Service; comparisons were made between the corresponding figures before and after the implementation of the law. Results: The median level of PM$$_{2.5}$$ associated with secondhand smoking was 161 μg/m$$^3$$ pre-ban and dropped to 3 μg/m$$^3$$ post-ban (98% decrease, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, in the year following the ban, the hotel turnover rate increased by 4.1% and the restaurant revenue by 6.4%; employment increased that same year by 7.2% and 1.0%, respectively. Conclusion: Smoke free legislations, when enforced, are highly effective in improving the air quality and reducing the levels of indoor PM$$_{2.5}$$. Strict enforcement plays a key role in the successful implementation of smoking bans. Even in nations with high smoking prevalence comprehensive smoking laws can be effectively implemented and have no negative effect on accommodation, food, and beverage services. Published Version: doi:10.1186/1471-2458-13-76 Other Sources: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3567943/pdf/ Terms of Use: This article is made available under the terms and conditions applicable to Other Posted Material, as set forth at http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:dash.current.terms-of-use#LAA Citable link to this page: http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:11011814 Downloads of this work: