Observed smoking and tobacco pack display in Australian outdoor cafés 2 years after implementation of plain packaging

Abstract

Background: Implementation of tobacco plain packaging (PP) in Australia in December 2012 was associated with significant reductions in the percentage of patrons at outdoor cafés observed to be displaying tobacco packs and actively smoking, immediately post-implementation and 1 year later. This study examines whether these positive effects were sustained through to 2 years post-PP. Methods: An observational study conducted at cafés, restaurants and bars with outdoor seating in Melbourne, Australia documented the number of: patrons; patrons actively smoking; tobacco packs on display; orientation and type of displayed packs and whether or not children were present. Data were collected pre-PP (2..