Empirical studies have provided consistent support for the public health significance of smoke-free policies. Smoke-free legislation prohibiting smoking in indoor public venues has been shown to decrease overall levels of smoking (Fitchenberg and Glantz, 2002). Moreover, such policies reduce exposure of non-smokers to passive smoke (Akhtar et al., 2007; Farrelly et al, 2005; Haw and Gruer, 2007; Heloma et al., 2001), decrease risk of respiratory symptoms (Eisner et al., 1998; Menzies et al, 2006) and reduce rates of coronary heart disease in the population (Barnoya and Glantz, 2006; Juster et al., 2007; Sargent et al., 2004). While growing recognition of the public health benefits of smoke-free legislation has contributed to the substantial increase in statewide smoke-free policies, a large number of US residents are still not covered by smoke-free laws (American NonSmokers’ Rights Foundation [ANR], 2012). In an effort to reduce tobacco-related morbidity and mortality, United States Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) has repeatedly called for the establishment of laws that prohibit smoking in bars, restaurants, and worksites in all 50 states and the District of Columbia (DC) (HSS, Healthy People 2020 HSS, Healthy People 2011).
