Tennessee's smokefree policy: it's time for local control

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Policy
• Tobacco Control

Background:

• Tobacco use in Tennessee exceeds the national average, with a stalled decline in usage rates.
• Existing smokefree policies have exemptions and are hindered by 1994 preemption laws.
• The Governor's 2013 Health and Wellness Initiatives aim to reduce tobacco product use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose integrated policy and population approaches to reduce tobacco use in Tennessee.
• To recommend specific policy changes to strengthen smokefree laws.
• To suggest strategies for targeting young adults and promoting tobacco-free campuses.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of existing tobacco control policies in Tennessee, including preemption and venue exemptions.
• Examination of the Governor's Health and Wellness Initiatives.
• Development of policy and population-based recommendations.

Main Results:

• Repealing state preemption of local tobacco control policymaking is recommended.
• Removing exemptions for certain venues from the Non-Smoker Protection Act is advised.
• Focusing on young adults and implementing tobacco-free campuses are key population strategies.

Conclusions:

• Integrating policy reforms (repealing preemption, removing exemptions) and population-focused strategies (targeting young adults, promoting tobacco-free campuses) can effectively reduce tobacco use.
• These recommendations align with the "localized ownership" principle of the Health and Wellness Initiatives.
• Addressing tobacco use requires a multifaceted approach combining legislative action and targeted community interventions.