The July 7-10 survey among 1,016 national adults showed a change in the public's attitude toward public smoking ban. In 2001, when Gallup first asked about a ban on public smoking, 39 percent were in favor, an attitude that stayed roughly the same through 2007.

　　At the same time, the poll also found that fewer than two in 10 people supported the idea of making smoking totally illegal.

　　According to the American Lung Association, 27 states plus the District of Columbia have passed comprehensive smoke-free laws. A New York City law bans smoking in virtually all public places, including outdoor plazas and beaches.