Problem/Objective: This study determined (a) the relationship between alcohol sales policy and indoor air pollution from secondhand smoke in hospitality venues; and (b) the relationship between indoor air pollution and the urban or rural status of a community. Although just over half the U.S. population is covered by smoke-free laws, only 9.4% of Kentuckians are protected by such policy.

Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of existing data on fine particulate pollution levels in a sample of 15 Kentucky communities (eight urban and seven rural). Communities were classified according to alcohol sales policies, and whether they were rural or urban. Eight to 10 venues in each community were tested for fine particulate air pollution using the TSI Sidepak Monitor. PM2.5 from all venues in the sample will be compared by group (alcohol policy and urban vs. rural).

Results: Preliminary findings show that on average, wet counties had PM2.5 of 252 µg/m3, whereas moist counties had PM2.5 of 86 µg/m3 and dry counties had PM2.5 of 67 µg/m3. Urban communities had an average PM2.5 of 196 µg/m3, and rural communities had an average PM2.5 of 122 µg/m3.

Conclusions: The results of this study may help to assess community readiness for implementation of smoke-free laws. It may also help to anticipate opposition to smoke-free laws given the community's alcohol policy.