EMPLOYEE AND PUBLIC RESPONSES TO SIMULATED VIOLATIONS OF NO-SMOKING REGULATIONS IN SPAIN

Objectives. This study evaluated compliance with regulations prohibiti ng smoking in public places by using a new method of smoking simulatio n. Methods. Sites in Sabadell, Spain, were visited by observers who li t a cigarette, simulating the act of smoking, and noted the placement and content of signs indicating smoking restrictions. Results. A warni ng was given in only 17% of sites. A significant association was obser ved between the presence of signs banning smoking and the elicitation of a warning from people present. Conclusions. Simulating the violatio n of smoking restrictions may be used as an efficient method of assess ing enforcement of the prohibition of public smoking.