Smoke-free signs help, but rules are often ignored

Smokers are more likely to adhere to a smoke-free policy if they understand its purpose, find it fair, and feel supported to quit. Photo: Unsplash

More and more municipalities and municipal health services are making outdoor areas smoke-free with the recognizable Smoke-Free Generation signs. This is an important step towards a healthy living environment. But will these areas truly remain smoke-free?

Research shows that this is often disappointing in practice.

According to researcher Sophie Jooren, several factors play a role. Smokers are more likely to adhere to a smoke-free policy if they understand its purpose, consider the policy fair, and feel supported in quitting.

But those who find the policy excessive, feel stigmatized, or lack confidence in the rules are more likely to light up anyway. Addiction often plays a role in this.

A major issue is who should address smokers? Jooren advises making clear agreements about this. "Approaching them remains difficult, but people often don't even know that a property is smoke-free. A friendly explanation often helps a lot," she said in an interview with the Trimbos Institute .

Various resources are available, such as a short e-learning course on "Addressing Smokers in a Smoke-Free Area" or brochures from the Healthy School program on how to talk to young people. Training courses for professionals are also offered.

Besides addressing smokers, visibility is also important. The Smoke-Free Generation's uniform signs are now familiar throughout the Netherlands, but regular campaigns or activities ensure that newcomers, for example at sports clubs or in parks, are also aware of the smoke-free policy.

Regional examples show how this can be done: for example, the Municipal Health Service (GGD) Gooi en Vechtstreek linked a campaign to the fight against cigarette butt litter, the Municipal Health Service (GGD) Hollands Midden created a map of smoke-free areas, and the Arnhem district of Presikhaaf launched its own campaign, 'Smoke-Free Presikhaaf'.

Finally, municipalities must be consistent. Leaving ashtrays or creating a designated smoking area in a supposedly smoke-free area sends a double message and undermines policy.