Since the implementation of the smoke free law in Ellisville, Mississippi, complaints about violations have been handled in a consistent and timely manner. It is made clear to residents that they are responsible for adhering to the law. While it is possible to take legal action, the history of resolving disputes related to second-hand smoke in court is somewhat mixed. This review examines documents that report on the implementation of anti-smoking policies and the enforcement strategies used to increase compliance with the policy. In order to ensure compliance with the smoke free law, it is important to understand the various strategies that can be used to promote and enforce it.
Mass media has been an effective tool for implementing anti-smoking policies in countries such as New Zealand. Print and radio advertising, brochures and posters, a helpline with information, and a website were all used to publicize the legislation. This led to greater compliance and it was concluded that the work done to promote a national anti-smoking policy in New Zealand, both among the public and among key stakeholders before and during implementation, helped to achieve a high degree of compliance. Smoke-free environmental policies limit or eliminate the use of smoke-producing tobacco in designated areas, thereby reducing second-hand smoke. Policy promotion is an important strategy for increasing compliance.
If people and companies are aware of their responsibilities under the law, they are more likely to abide by it. It is essential to enforce non-smoking policy violations in the same way as other lease violations. This review of the literature on enforcement strategies for effective compliance and enforcement of anti-smoking policy found a limited and weak evidence base. Workplaces were more likely to comply with anti-smoking policies if they were aware of the laws, had a smoke-free address, had lower smoking rates among staff, and were members of a network that guided policy implementation. Even though there may not always be a specific law to turn to, there are still steps that can be taken to protect oneself from second-hand smoke in one's home.
It is completely legal to have an anti-smoking policy on multi-unit home properties; there is no legal or constitutional right to smoke. In two independent studies conducted in the U. S., emails were sent to local companies with information about changes or application of an anti-smoking law and how to comply with it. On a university campus in the U. S., a targeted, theory-based poster campaign was used to encourage students not to smoke in smoke-free areas.
This was linked to a significant decrease in the number of cigarettes smoked on campus, and greater exposure to the campaign was associated with fewer smoking violations on campus. An important distinguishing feature is that anti-smoking policies are implemented and enforced by service or staff they are in, while policy compliance generally refers to smokers' compliance with the no-smoking rule in a specific location. To ensure compliance with smoke free laws, it is important for residents and businesses alike to be aware of their responsibilities under the law and take steps to promote and enforce it.
