While the current study is a first step toward quantifying the broader set of effects of smoke-free policies on changes in AUD status, statewide implementation of smoke-free bar and restaurant policies are likely associated with other secondary public health benefits that we do not consider in this paper. Our findings can pave the way for a productive line of future research on the impact of smoke-free policies and other alcohol-related outcomes, such as psychosocial consequences of heavy drinking (e.g., fights in bars), drunk driving, and alcohol-related morbidity and mortality. Identification of secondary health benefits that accrue following the enactment of smoke-free policies can be used to enhance support for the CDC Healthy People 2020 goal of establishing laws that prohibit smoking in public places and worksites in all 50 states and DC (HSS, Healthy People 2020 HSS, Healthy People 2011).
