Findings in a new survey reveal most Manitobans don’t want to be bothered by cigarette smoke while enjoying outdoor patios and other public places.
The Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance (MANTRA) came out with the survey, which found two in three people (67%) support extending smoking bans to outdoor patios of restaurants and bars — an increase from 58% in 2008.
Other results show 65% of those surveyed support a smoking ban on beaches, in public parks (61%) and at outdoor events (59%).
Almost 8 in 10 Manitobans and more than half of current smokers feel that smoking restrictions have made their community a better place to live.
Data from the Canadian Community Health Survey found that despite downward trends in smoking rates in recent years, Manitobans’ exposure to second-hand smoke in vehicles and public places has actually increased.
The telephone survey was conducted in September 2013 and asked 800 Manitoba residents 18 years of age and older a range of related questions. Theoretical error rate + 3.5%, 19 times out of 20.
The results come one day after The Peg released a report showing fewer Winnipeggers are choosing to light up.
