Call to ban smoking outside bars

Published: 3:54PM Tuesday February 21, 2012 Source: ONE News

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Researchers are calling for a ban on smoking outside bars, saying alcohol is a key lead-in to smoking.

An Otago University study out today says the move could curb social smoking.

Lead author Professor Janet Hoek said those surveyed said they only smoke after consuming large volumes of alcohol, usually at pubs or bars.

"They're in a social situation, they're drinking, they're not making rational decisions, and then they wake up the following morning feeling dreadful, and very much regretting what happened the night before," said Hoek.

The study was based on interviews with 13 social smokers aged between 19 and 25, many of whom had "conflicted identities" and "felt superior" to regular smokers.

"They defined themselves as other than a 'smoker' by rationalising and justifying their smoking as something that had occurred only because they had been drinking," said the study.

Participants described smoking and drinking as going "hand in hand" and some indicated that alcohol prompted cravings for a cigarette.

"More fundamentally, alcohol enabled them to absolve themselves of responsibility for their actions, which they inevitably regretted," said the study.

"Drinking thus supported and even induced "binge smoking" and yet also distanced them from this behaviour, enabling them to maintain their 'non-smoker' persona."

All but one of those surveyed said they believed banning smoking outside bars would reduce smoking.

The Hospitality Association says the current arrangements are practical and bar owners have invested in outdoor areas for smokers as required by law.