Question

Some states restrict the use of cigarettes in restaurants and other public buildings. What is the aim of this type of government regulation?

To protect the public and store patrons who prefer to avoid secondhand smoke
To provide secure locations for smokers who want to avoid nonsmokers
To protect the potential sales of restaurant and business owners
To provide air quality in public facilities that exceeds federal mandates

Answer 1

To protect the public and store patrons who prefer to avoid secondhand smoke

Answer 2

To protect the public and store patrons who prefer to avoid secondhand smoke. This law is generally implemented for public health purposes. Secondhand smoke is a known cause of cancer and it is a detriment to public health and safety to allow smoking in spaces where laws can otherwise be enforced. To allow smokers to use would create a negative externality; essentially benefiting smokers while only causing loss to patrons and businesses. The smokers, without the laws, would be able to act as they please under no penalty.