New Poll Shows Pennsylvanians Support Comprehensive Smokefree Policies

The Pennsylvania Alliance to Control Tobacco released new polling data that shows overwhelming statewide support for comprehensive smokefree policies.

The statewide poll conducted by Susquehanna Polling and Research asked registered voters throughout the Commonwealth, “Would you support or oppose a statewide law that protects workers from secondhand smoke by making all workplaces and public places like restaurants, bars and casinos 100% smokefree indoors?” Results show that 75% of respondents indicated they support protecting workers by making workplaces and public venues smokefree, 8% of respondents were neutral on the topic.

Aimee Van Cleave, Advocacy Director for the American Lung Association in Pennsylvania, said, “This data shows that smokefree policies are not only the right thing to do to protect public health, but they are also incredibly popular with Pennsylvanians. Regardless of geographic makeup or political party, what we have here is a sign that it is beyond time for legislators to protect workers and patrons from the dangers of secondhand smoke. The American Lung Association is urging lawmakers to take action by voting yes on House Bill 1657. No one should have to choose between their health and their paycheck—and Pennsylvanians agree.”

Traci Kennedy with Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights said, “This poll affirms what we know to be true, the majority of Pennsylvanians want smokefree air for everyone. Smokefree laws save lives and are popular among the public. It’s past time lawmakers take action to ensure everyone has the right to breathe smokefree air at work and we urge support for legislation to close loopholes in the Clean Indoor Air Act.”

House Bill 1657, sponsored by Representative Dan Frankel of Allegheny County, would close loopholes in the Clean Indoor Air Act of 2008, which currently allows exemptions for over 1300 venues across the state including truck stops, casinos, and some bars and restaurants. The bill is before the House of Representatives where it awaits first consideration.

Interviews were conducted via phone (both cellular and landline) with 710 registered voters between February 27- March 6, 2024, these results reflect a 3.7 margin of error at a 95% confidence level.

The complete findings can be found at Comprehensive Clean Indoor Air Legislation - PACT | Pennsylvania Alliance to Control Tobacco (pactonline.org)