Overwhelming majority of Indians favour ban on smoking

A year after the ban on smoking in public places came in force, a study has found that an overwhelming majority of Indians favour the regulations prohibiting smoking at workplaces and public arenas. More than nine out of 10 Indians surveyed in four cities favour the regulations prohibiting smoking in public places.

Support for regulations to ensure the ban is also strong in each city, with a large majority of those interviewed in Delhi (90 per cent), Mumbai (98 per cent), Chennai (92 per cent) and Kolkata (93 per cent) favouring it. Citizens in the four major metros also understand that second hand smoke is a serious risk to people's health. Ninety-two per cent believe exposure to second hand smoke is a serious health hazard for the non-smoker.

In addition, 91 per cent majority indicate that it bothers them a lot when they are exposed to second hand smoke, according to the study conducted by NGO, the Voluntary Health Association of India. Consumers interviewed in the four cities indicated that restaurants and bars were healthier and more enjoyable now that they are smoke-free. Seventy-two per cent of Indians interviewed agreed that these places were healthier and 88 per cent felt that it is nice to go out and enjoy themselves at local restaurants and bars without smelling like smoke when they get home. 

A majority of 87 per cent of people surveyed agreed that all workers in India should be protected from exposure to second hand smoke at the workplace. An additional 12 per cent of people surveyed somewhat agreed with the idea that all workers should be protected. A total of 63 per cent of people surveyed say that restaurants and bars have done an excellent job complying with the new restrictions.

Image: A man smoking a beedi.

Photograph: Fayaz Kabli/Reuters