In 2005 the Mautner Project conducted a survey to determine the current smoking policies and previous experience and willingness of LGBT bar/restaurant management to sponsor smoke-free nights.

     143 LGBT bars/restaurants participated in this survey.  Questions addressed the smoking status of the respondent and the policies for the bar; sexual orientation of clientele; existence of tobacco sponsored events or advertisements; and the willingness of the respondent to offer smoke-free events.

     Respondents included bar owners and managers, most were male (78.3%).  74.1% of the respondents were gay, 11.9% lesbian, 3.5% bisexual, and 9.8% identified as straight.  16% reported a personal health conditions that could be exacerbated by ETS (allergies, asthma, COPD, HIV, emphysema).  Equal numbers of participants reported being smokers and non-smokers and 22.1% smoked a pack of cigarettes or more per day.
 
     88% of the bars sold cigarettes and 30% advertised tobacco products.  Almost ten percent had tobacco-sponsored nights, and gave away free cigarettes at those events. Half of the respondents are concerned about exposure to ETS while at work and 32% would personally prefer their bar was smoke free.  A majority of customers (86%) complain about the smokiness of the bar.  However, 49% had sponsored a smoke-free night in the previous 12 months. As expected, most bar owners were concerned about what sponsoring smoke free nights would do to their business.  Some of those who had done it previously reported decreased revenues on those nights. 
 
     If LGBT activists and the community are to advocate for increased smoke free spaces at LGBT bars it will require creative partnerships with bar owners to publicize and support these events.