Comments on: Smoking Ban Opponents Using Non-Relevant Study

By: Bob

Bob — Mon, 19 May 2008 02:15:13 +0000

Here in Chicago, many small, local bars are ignoring the ban to keep their customers. After nearly five months, all these new non smokers who claimed they would be “flocking” to the bars don’t seem to be showing up at the bars that comply. The local cops consider a “stupid nuisance” with large groups of people congregrating outside the bars, now that the warmer weather is approaching.

By: Mid-Michigan Dining

Mid-Michigan Dining — Wed, 14 May 2008 21:20:11 +0000

I don’t know if all the studies are done by proponents of a ban, but they are used by proponents of a ban. It would be stupid for a group against the ban to use a study that favors a ban.

I understand where your coming from, but I still don’t agree. My mom is a waitress in a bar in Illinois. This is a little country bar…the only thing around the bar is a church. The closest town is five miles away. Her tips have gone up since the ban went into effect in Illinois.

The questions I would ask you is where in Indiana was she a waitress? Indiana does not have a statewide smoking ban. Like this study done in Missouri, there are individual municipalities that have banned smoking. I do believe that those kinds of bans do more harm than good for business. A statewide ban would put all businesses on a level playing field. I reject any evidence of a decline in business with local smoking bans….like I said, I don’t doubt at all that those kinds of bans hurt certain businesses. A statewide smoking ban, on the other hand, can be a catalyst for economic growth. A few neighborhood bars may take a hit and if that’s the type of place you own, I can understand you’re point of view, but the overall economy is poised to see gains.

By: barowner

barowner — Wed, 14 May 2008 21:11:10 +0000

Has anyone noticed that all of the studies claiming smoking bans DON’T hurt bars are done by the organizations fighting for the smoking ban? If Phillip Morris conducted a study saying they were BAD for business who would believe them?
Let’s get real–people go to bars because they are the only haven left where smokers can smoke inside. No one is at a bar for their HEALTH. I can even see a smoking ban in restaurants, as most of ours seem to be smoke free anymore anyway. Once the ban takes effect, as a smoker I know I won’t be going to a bar when I want to drink. As a neighborhood bar owner–why would a smoker stop for a drink on their way home where they can’t smoke–they’ll just go home & have a drink with a cigarette there.
One of my bartenders moved to Indiana. When the smoking ban took effect her wages (tips included) were cut by more than half & she moved back to Michigan where she could still make a living.
In this economy we’re struggling to make a living now, we’re already cutting hours & trying not to lay off employees. Do we really need more unemployed people here in Michigan?