Survey: Santa Clara County residents on the toy ban

The California Restaurant Association commissioned a poll of Santa Clara County residents April 17 to April 19 concerning their perceptions of issues related to local government involvement in regulating the availability of items, such as toys or gifts, that are included in restaurant meal promotions.

The sampling error is no more than 4.1 percentage points with a 95 percent level of confidence. This level of statistical precision meets commonly accepted standards for accuracy in public opinion research. 

Key findings

  • Eighty percent of county residents say it is not important for local government and lawmakers to be involved in deciding whether or not items, such as toys or gifts, should be available as part of a restaurant’s meal promotions.
  • Eighty-seven percent of Santa Clara County residents do not agree that local government and lawmakers are better informed than ordinary citizens about what kind of food sold in restaurants is healthy and nutritious.
  • More than seven in 10 (73 percent) county residents agree they should have the option to purchase a meal at a restaurant that includes an item, such as a toy or gift, that is part of a meal promotion, and local government and lawmakers should not be allowed to take away that option.
  • Only 11 percent of county residents agree that local government and lawmakers should be allowed to decide whether restaurants are able to offer items, such as toys or gifts, as part of a purchased meal promotion.