How Do 100% Smoke-Free Bans Affect Smoking Behavior?

Authors

Elizabeth K. Vermann, Macalester CollegeFollow

Document Type

Honors Project - Open Access

Abstract

Since 2001, the pervasiveness of 100% smoke-free bans has increased dramatically, while the smoking rate among American adults has decreased modestly. This study examines the effect of these bans in workplaces, bars, and restaurants on changes in smoking behavior (initiation, prevalence, continuation, consumption, and cessation) using individual-level smoking data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey. Generally, this paper finds that, relative to increases in cigarette taxes, bans are less successful in changing smokers' behavior. Nonetheless, results indicate that of the three types of bans, those in restaurants are correlated with the largest likelihood of behavioral change.

Recommended Citation

Vermann, Elizabeth K., "How Do 100% Smoke-Free Bans Affect Smoking Behavior?" (2011). Economics Honors Projects. 37.
https://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/economics_honors_projects/37