The influence of a campaign to encourage no-smoking policies in restaurants and cafes in Greater Nottingham

IN response to the low level of non-smoking pro vision in public catering establishments in Greater Nottingham, a campaign was launched to encourage the implementation of no-smoking policies, with an information pack sent by post to 356 establishments. Managers were encouraged to order action packs, which included free no-smoking display materials, and to register their establishments in a public guide to no-smoking restaurants. A certificate was awarded by the Department of Public Health to those making over 50 per cent non-smoking provision. The response rate to the campaign was 10.1 per cent after the first mail-out, rising to 14.8 per cent after the second mail-out, and achieving a total of 25.2 per cent after telephone contact had been made. While the campaign was a valuable initial exercise, this work should be continued by environmental health officers who visit catering establishments in the course of their normal duties.