Introduction: Despite extensive knowledge about effective tobacco control interventions, prevalence of tobacco use in many middle-and low-income countries continues to rise. In these countries, public appreciation of levels of protection provided by laws and regulations on tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke is limited. Following ratification of The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Kenya enacted Tobacco Control Act, 2007; banning smoking in public places except in designated smoking areas. This study aimed to assess adherence to the Tobacco Control Act, 2007 by determining availability of workplace policy on tobacco use in bars and restaurants.
Methods: A survey of 176 liquor licensed bars and restaurants in, Nairobi County was done. Their managers were interviewed on availability of workplace policy governing smoking of tobacco and observations made on provisions that determine adherence to the Tobacco Control Act, 2007.
Results: Smoking took place in almost all bars and restaurants, (85% n=150). Half the establishments (49%, n=86) had a workplace policy governing tobacco use among employees though a difference between bars, 23 %,( n=11) and restaurants 58%, (n=75) was recorded (P< 0.001). Establishments where managers had lower levels of education were less likely to have a workplace policy (P<0.001) and more likely not to have ‘no smoking’ signs and designated smoking areas(P<0.005).
Conclusion and recommendations: Kenya’s implementation of the Tobacco Control Act does not provide sufficient protection of patrons and workers in bars and restaurants. It is important to sensitize hospitality workers of the dangers of tobacco smoke. Bars and Restaurants managers should have minimum post secondary education level. The tobacco control act requires strengthening to ensure that bars and restaurants are a smoke free environment.
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