Cigarette price changes had significant effects on decreasing alcohol consumption in 1980–1994, while, in general, SFA policy scores did not. Conversely, during 1995–2009 SFA policy changes were significantly associated with reductions in alcohol consumption, while cigarette prices were not. Effects of cigarette prices were likely more important during the first half of the study period because the 1980s marked the time during which cigarette prices started to increase due to state cigarette taxes. While some states adopted SFA policies during this period, changes in scores were not dramatic and did not yet result in comprehensive statewide bans across all three areas (worksites, restaurants, and bars). Cigarette prices increased more sharply in the mid-1990s and 2000s, but in the 2000s stronger SFA policies were adopted at a dramatically increased rate. Although the relative importance of the two policies changed over time, results suggest that policies that decrease cigarette consumption are likely to decrease alcohol consumption as well.
