From: Policy guidance on threats to legislative interventions in public health: a realist synthesis
   Is the severity of the problem sufficient to justify a law? |
1. PROBLEM MISIDENTIFICATION |
a. Is it possible to show that exposure to second-hand smoke in cars leads to ill-health? |
b. What toxicity levels are encountered in a car when cigarettes are smoked? |
c. Does ventilation make a difference? |
d. Are the toxicity levels comparable to other risky environments in which smoking bans already operate? |
e. How does the potential harm compare to formally approved air quality standards? |
2. LACK OF PUBLIC SUPPORT |
   Is there likely to be public support for such a law? |
a. What is the overall magnitude of support for such a law? |
b. What are the levels of support amongst smokers? |
c. What is the motivation behind public support? |
d. Does endorsement depend on the extent and success of previous smoking bans in work and public places? |
3. LOBBY GROUP OPPOSITION |
   Is there likely to be effective pressure group opposition? |
a. Has the Tobacco lobby opposed this particular ban? |
b. Are they likely to do so in future? |
4. ENFORCEMENT |
   Is the law enforceable? |
a. Given that the potential infraction is fleeting and localised will smokers fail to comply assuming there is little risk of being caught? |
b. Given limited resources, the difficulties of detection and the fact that the law addresses a public health issue will the police act significantly on enforcement? |
c. What other measure need to be incorporated to encourage compliance and enhance enforcement? |