Strengthening of tobacco policies was associated with reductions in beer and spirits consumption, but not wine. This suggests that smoking and drinking beer are more strongly related than smoking and drinking wine. In fact, people who prefer wine are less likely to smoke, more educated, and more likely to have healthier lifestyle habits than those who prefer other types of alcohol (Barefoot et al., 2002; Klatsky et al., 1990; Klatsky & Armstrong, 1993; Tjønneland et al., 1999). The significant positive effect of SFA policy score on wine consumption during 1980–1994 could be a reflection of health consciousness among states that started strengthening SFA policies in earlier years. Wine is often perceived as a relatively healthy alcoholic beverage, and epidemiologic studies have shown the health benefits of moderate wine consumption, including decreased risk of cardiovascular disease related mortality (O’Keefe et al., 2014).
