Policy Analysis on Smoking Ban

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Results that is worthy to be highlighted

The result of the study showed that the concentration of PM2.5 as observed in the smoking activity were significantly positively correlated both for the pre- and post-legislation measurement. The pre-legislation data documented smoking activity taking place in nearly all venues. Post-legislation, the majority of venues had banned smoking, but a substantial number allowed smoking in the whole venue or in a separate smoking room. However, the average PM2.5 mass concentrations were significantly lower to the post-legislation as compared with pre-legislation for all types of venues.

Correlation of the results to the theory used

This shows that the idea raised on whether the implementation of smoking policy among hospitality venues has any effect to its occupant is significant. Based on the result, on the pre-legislation there is a higher air contaminants against to the time when the smoking policy was implemented.

IV. ORIGINALITY

Unique and/or valuable contribution of the study to the body of knowledge

In the context of the origin and as mentioned in the study, this is the first evaluation of room air quality in the German hospitality sector after the implementation of partial smoking bans in 2007/2008. This demonstrates a substantial reduction of respirable second hand smoke (SHS) particles in hospitality venues. However, several exemptions attenuated the effectiveness of the policy just like at the post-legislation measurement in 2009, the mass concentrations of PM2.5 were substantially higher in venues where smoking is allowed in the whole venue or in a separate smoking room as compared with venues in which smoking was completely banned.

Possible management applications of the findings

Management applications such as direction and execution are to be reflected in the findings of this study. As it is said above on the varying results of the air contaminants in the pre-legislation and post-legislation of smoking ban, there is a need for hospitality managers to act upon what is the good for its occupants both employees and customers.

Suggested areas to further research

While a significant decline of the exposure to SHS in the hospitality sector was attained, it is suggested by the authors to conduct such study in a bigger environment and its effectiveness on hospitality venues where there is complete smoking-ban.

Connection of this article to the reviewed policy

In the recent implementation of the Executive Order No. 26 on Smoking ban, this proves on the relevance that tobacco smoking released by first hand smokers can exposed people in the proximity can inhale harmful air contaminants from and by those who smoked.

V. CONCLUSIONS

How convincing is the researcher’s conclusions?

The authors gave a sound conclusion of their study when it stated that while a significant decline of the exposure to second hand smoke in the hospitality sector was attained, an even greater reduction could have been possible with a comprehensive smoking ban without any exemptions. It gave a strong citation of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2006, that since there is no risk-free level of exposure, an effective protection of patrons and employees of hospitality venues from tobacco smoke is thus guaranteed only when smoking is completely banned in their operation.

How would it compare with other academic work?

If it will be compared with other studies, the findings are consistent with earlier studies of comparable design demonstrating increased indoor air pollution with respirable suspended particles when smoking is unrestricted (Brauer & Mannetje, 1998; Connolly et al., 2009; Ellingsen et al., 2006; Goodman et al., 2007; Johnsson et al., 2006; Repace et al., 2006; Semple et al., 2007; Travers, 2004). The increased levels of PM2.5 measured in non-smoking rooms of venues with separate smoking room are also consistent with previous studies demonstrating that in venues with designated smoking areas, tobacco smoke penetrates into adjoining rooms (Cains, Cannata, Poulos, Ferson, & Stewart, 2004; Huss et al., 2010). Hence, this gives significant relationship on the effectiveness of having smoking-ban policy implementation hospitality venues.

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