The indicators are based on article 8 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and its guidelines for implementation, which relate to protecting people from exposure to tobacco smoke. And require complete smoking bans in all indoor workplaces, public transport, indoor public places and, as appropriate, other public places.

MPOWER P Protect from tobacco smoke

The letter P in MPOWER denotes the "Protect from tobacco smoke" measure. Second-hand tobacco smoke is present in virtually all places where smoking is permitted, and there is no safe level of exposure. Breathing secondhand tobacco smoke has serious and often fatal health consequences.

Globally, it is estimated that about one third of adults are regularly exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke. 100% smoke-free environments (without designated smoking rooms or areas) are the only proven way to adequately protect the health of people from the harmful effects of secondhand tobacco smoke. This indicator measures the implementation status of the P measure in eight selected indoor public places.

Country's legislation is assessed to determine whether each of the following places is required to be completely smoke-free (without designated smoking rooms or areas allowed)

• healthcare facilities;
• educational facilities other than universities;
• universities;
• government facilities;
• indoor offices and workplaces;
• restaurants;
• pubs and bars;
• public transport.

Number of smoke-free places Count of how many indoor public places are covered by complete smoke-free legislation. Indoor public place means any indoor place accessible to the public, including places accessible by appointment or permission. There are eight indoor public places for this indicator, so the maximum count is 8. A "complete" smoking ban is defined such that smoking is not allowed at any time in any indoor area under any circumstance, including private functions and separate smoking rooms. Under the definition of complete smoking ban, health care facilities may exempt enclosed rooms in psychiatric facilities and long-term facilities, such as nursing homes for patients or residents' use, and government facilities may exempt designated smoking rooms in prison facilities or other similar institutions. The 8 categories are: health-care facilities, educational facilities other than universities, universities; government facilities, indoor offices and workplaces, restaurants, pubs and bars, and public transport.

Subnational smoke-free legislation authority exists Subnational jurisdictions within the country do have the power to enact and implement smoke-free laws, whether they have enacted and implemented any. Subnational jurisdictions assessed for this indicator are at the first administrative level only (e.g. states, provinces, cantons, departments).

Fines for violations of smoke-free laws The law states that monetary penalties are to be imposed when there is a violation of the smoke-free legislation.

Fines on the establishment for violations of smoke-free laws The law states that monetary penalties are to be imposed on the establishment which facilitates a violation of the smoke-free legislation.

Fines on the patrons of establishments for violations of smoke-free laws The law states that monetary penalties are to be imposed on the individual when there is a violation of the smoke-free legislation.

Dedicated funds for enforcement Whether the law includes a specific assignment of funds for enforcement personnel or others measure to enforce the law.

Citizen complaints and investigations of smoke-free laws A complaint driven system is one in which citizens can call or otherwise report to the enforcement agency violations that they encounter. Following a report of a violation, the government must follow up on the alleged violation. 

WHO assessment of original and translated legislation and regulation documents.  

N/A

Biannual

Biannual