Problem/Objective: To examine the impact of smoke-free workplace ordinances on the health and attitudes of bartenders working in two Wisconsin cities, one year after the establishment of the ordinances. Patterns of tobacco consumption and smoking cessation among bartenders were also examined. This study may be of interest to community leaders, public and private health care providers, tobacco prevention and control members, and policymakers.

Methods: Data were collected from bartenders working in two Wisconsin cities, via a 4-page mail questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, bartending status and tenure, bartender smoking status, hours of secondhand smoke exposure, prevalence of upper respiratory tract symptoms, attitudes towards smoking in bars and restaurants, and perceptions of risk related to secondhand smoke exposure. Employing a cross-sectional research design, pre-ordinance data were collected 2 months before the July 1, 2005 ordinances; post-ordinance data were collected approximately one year later.

Results: Mean level of exposure to secondhand smoke decreased significantly at work, in the home, and in other places. The prevalence of eight upper respiratory symptoms was significantly lower during the post-ordinance period among non-smokers; Smokers reported a significant reduction of two symptoms. Support for banning smoking in bars and restaurants increased significantly. Perceived level of health risk associated with exposure to secondhand smoke increased significantly, except among smokers. Level of bartender smoking decreased.

Conclusions: A smoke-free workplace ordinance resulted in reduced exposure to secondhand smoke and fewer related upper respiratory symptoms among employees. This suggests the long-term risk of associated chronic conditions may also be reduced by instituting smoke-free workplace ordinances.