Snapshot - Smoking Ban Impact on Bars/Bowling Centrs

congress.org ^ | 28 September 2006 | Darnet Dawn

[SheLion]

Following are actual statistics reflecting examples of the negative impact upon individual businesses following the recently instituted smoking ban ordinances, effective in Springfield, Illinois and surrounding unincorporated Sangamon County this September 15, 2006 (less than two weeks ago).

When small businesses account for about two-thirds of our country's economic growth and new jobs, it is difficult to comprehend elected officials' reasoning in voting to implement an intrusive ordinance which will hurt those same business owners.

A restaurant owner who does not permit smoking will see it as a violation of his property rights if a coalition uses the political arena to create legislation forcing him to permit smoking. It is no less a property rights violation in reverse. If a restaurant owner wishes to permit smoking, he might put up a “Smoking Permitted” sign and let potential patrons decide whether they wish to enter. Similarly, if an owner doesn’t permit smoking, he might put up a “No Smoking” sign and again let the customers decide.

SNAPSHOT OF SMOKING BAN IMPACT ON BARS & BOWLING CENTERS IN SPRINGFIELD AND UNINCORPORATED SANGAMON COUNTY:

D.H. Browns—business down more than 50%

- The last time Brown’s had a Monday as low as the first Monday of the ban was 8 years ago during a snowstorm.

- Brown’s will likely have to lay off their doormen—on top of the lost employment, this will increase the chances of underage drinkers violating the law.

- Two (2) waitresses informed management that they will have to give their notice and try to get a job in one of the neighboring communities that permit smoking because they are no longer making any money.

Track Shack—business down 42%

- For the first time, the owner had to draw money out of his personal funds to pay Track Shack’s bills.

American Legion Post # 32—business down more than 50%

Floyd’s—business down, but not substantially

JW’s Lounge—business down over 40%

Stadium—business down 40%

- 10 people in bar, 43 in Beer Garden on Wednesday night, numbers similar on the other nights.

Cheers—business down more than 50%

- $400 to $500 previous average daily sales—haven’t had one night over $200 since the ban went into effect.

Bernie & Betty’s—business down 40%

Knuckleheads—business down 40%

Mac’s Lounge—business down more than 25%

- Customers who were regulars prior to the ban have been calling Mac’s to tell them what a great time they were having at the Curve Inn in Southern View where smoking is permitted.

Sammy’s—business down, but not substantially

VFW Northender—business down, but percentage is unknown

- Waitress made a total of $14 in tips during her shift on Monday, and $17 on Tuesday—substantially lower than past experience.

Spillway Lanes—bar business is down more than 25%

- Lost 10 bowling teams since ban, gained only 1.

Black Dog Saloon, Winner’s Circle & Teasers had to close over 2 hours early this week due to lack of customers
 
______________________________
Garnet Dawn - The Smoker's Club, Inc. - Midwest Regional Director
The United Pro Choice Smokers Rights Newsletter - http://www.smokersclubinc.com
Illinois Smokers Rights - Illinois Smokers Forum - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/illinoissmokers/

[SheLion]

[SheLion]

Smoking bans are killing private businesses!!!!

[Jeff Gordon]

Do you think the smoking Nazi's give a damn about reduced GNP? These are the same people that would like to eliminate humand from the face of the earh because we damage "nature."

[billybudd]

I wonder what effect the ban on marijuana is having on businesses.

[outdriving]

OK, Freepers, where are you standing up for individual rights vs government mandates?

Is there some reason a private business owner cannot state his smoking preference in advance, and not violate the rights of his patrons and employees?

[Lurker]

I wonder what effect the ban on marijuana is having on businesses.

I nominate yours for the "Most Stupid Response Of The Day".

L

[takenoprisoner]

Everything is going exactly as planned. Soon most bars will be forced to close. If only the 1920's prohibitionists could have been as smart. They didn't need to outlaw booze in bars, all they needed to do was outlaw smoking.

[dasboot]

I work in bars. Mass and RI. Before and after comparison averages about 50% loss.

The state-run dog track and Hia Alai in RI are exempted. They're doing bangup business.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[SheLion]

   

[scott7278]

- Customers who were regulars prior to the ban have been calling Mac’s to tell them what a great time they were having at the Curve Inn in Southern View where smoking is permitted.

They shouldn't rub it in; Mac's didn't make the decision. They should be calling their legislators while demanding that the free market should decide.

The owner(s) of Mac's is having his/her pursuit of happiness taken away.

[SheLion]

This is just in Illinois.  The same sad story is being told all across the United States where the professional anti-smokers are taking over.

SMOKING BANS ARE CHOKING THE ECONOMY!!!!!

THE REAL FACTS OF THE SMOKING BANS IMPACT ON BUSINESS'S
The Facts

[Loud Mime]

The private sector should offer its own solutions. Period.

[mysterio]

Good. Smokers are doing their job. In any town that bans it, let's see if they can lose 25% of their business.

Remember, a lot of the businesses are in a coalition to back the ban. Or at least they aren't standing up to fight the ban. Let them rot without a cent from smokers.

[FlingWingFlyer]

The potheads in Arizona have thrown out a couple SmokeNazi propositions to be on the ballot this November. We're going to make the whole state a no smoking state and you won't be able to take you children to any bars that allow smoking. You'll still be able to take them to gay bars though as long as smoking is not allowed.

[Fairview]

Now this is something I don't understand about smoking bans. Do smokers say, "I can't smoke as conveniently when I'm bowling, therefore I'm giving up bowling"? Or "I have to smoke in a restricted area when I go out to dinner, so I'm never going to go out to dinner again"? This is hard to understand. You'd all really rather give up a sport or entertainment you love rather than be inconvenienced?

[SheLion]

Here's what "I" say:

If, as a citizen, society does not cater to my interests, why should I cater to the interests of society?

[SheLion]

I wonder what effect the ban on marijuana is having on businesses.

Sorry, but pot is illegal.  Cigarettes are not.

[SheLion]

Is there some reason a private business owner cannot state his smoking preference in advance, and not violate the rights of his patrons and employees?

When Big Tobacco fell to their knees in front of the Attorney Generals and the Tobacco Settlement was born, all that money went to special interest groups such as the highly paid professional anti-smokers.  And what is so sick is............they are using our tax dollars to fund all the control, bans and restrictions.

If all smokers would roll their own or quit, that well would run dry and put all those idiots out of business.

[SheLion]

Everything is going exactly as planned. Soon most bars will be forced to close. If only the 1920's prohibitionists could have been as smart. They didn't need to outlaw booze in bars, all they needed to do was outlaw smoking.

Big Liquor's balls are much bigger!

Everything is going exactly as planned. Soon most bars will be forced to close. If only the 1920's prohibitionists could have been as smart. They didn't need to outlaw booze in bars, all they needed to do was outlaw smoking.

Big Liquor's balls are much bigger!