[Consumption and sales of tobacco in public places: evaluation of compliance with the current standards].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the compliance with current legislation on smoking and tobacco sale in public places in the city of Sabadell (Barcelona).

METHODOLOGY

A sample of 218 sites was randomly selected from a total of 1,224 affected by the legislation, after excluding those where direct, anonymous access was difficult. The existence of signs banning smoking, of areas reserved for smokers and the observation of an indication of smoking presence were analyzed, and also a simulation of the act of smoking was performed.

RESULTS

An indication of smoking presence was observed in 61.5% of sites visited, 85.8% and 74.8% did not have a sign banning smoking at the entrance or in the interior, respectively, excluding restaurants and cafeterias. Only 4.1% of sites complied with all requirements established by the Law. Only one restaurant (1.7%) had a nonsmoking section.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show a low level of compliance with the legislation. The Administration should state a coherent and progressive strategy to achieve its complete application.