Where to Snuff the Puff? Relative Effectiveness of U.S. Smoking Control Policies
Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (Formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), vol. 44, no. C, pp. 97-102, 2013
Posted: 30 Sep 2014 Last revised: 19 Apr 2016
Date Written: 2013
Abstract
This research examines the relative effectiveness of various smoking control initiatives in lowering U.S. smoking prevalence. The main contribution lies in considering alternate state-level restrictions on retailers as well as smokers. Greater restrictions on smokers lower smoking prevalence, while those directed at retailers are largely ineffective. Upon disaggregation, territorial restrictions banning smoking in restaurants are found to be effective, whereas those in workplaces and in bars do not appreciably lower smoking prevalence. We also find some gender differences in the effectiveness of smoking restrictions. These findings are generally robust to alternate model specifications.
Keywords: Smoking; Restrictions; Retailers; Restaurants; Bars; Bans; Gender
JEL Classification: I0, I1, H3
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
