[jsbankston]

I have not said I was an anti-smoker, in fact, my wife smokes socially, and prefers restaurants that are non smoking. My only point is that if there are two restaurants in the same jurisdiction who operate under the same smoking ban and one goes out of business it must be because the product or service are inferior.

[Gabz]

True you did not say you were anti-smoking - but your comments are the same as those of the anti smokers I encounter on a daily basis.

I disagree with you regarding the restaurants going out of business under smoking bans because of inferior product or service. First because I was speaking of both bars and restaurants. Second because I have witnessed what has happened to both where a ban has been implemented.

I have worked closely enough with many of the owners of these establishments for me to be shown their books. The losses I've seen have nothing to do with inferior product or service. When 2 similar establishments in the same jurisdiction both show the same type losses it kind of proves that point, doesn't it?

And then when I am also granted the same access to similar establishments in a nearby jurisdiction without the ban and see the increase in their revenues - it really says something.

I can only speak with first hand knowlege of the ban in Delaware - but I do know that businesses in Maryland are loving it.