Wrong! Maine went smoke-free this January in Tavern's, Bars and Sports Inns.
Weak economy cited
Yes, blame it on the economy!
"People typically spend less at restaurants when their income has gone down," Dr. Hayes said. "It's not a required expenditure. When they aren't sure what their recovery is going to be like, it's one of the first things they cut."
MY income hasn't gone down! I have PLENTY to spend. But I sure won't spend my money in a restaurant/Tavern that won't accommodate me!!!!
The Facts About Smoking Ban Hurting Business's
"Anti-smoking organizations insist that bans are somehow good for people in hospitality businesses. This chart shows otherwise. These businesses have lost a significant portion of their business as a direct result of smoking bans. Many are closed. Many that are still open have told us they doubt they'll survive much longer.
Most of this information comes directly from businesses that have contacted me or my colleagues. Some comes from newspaper articles. Blank spaces in the chart represent data that is unavailable, or that doesn't apply. (For instance, a distributor doesn't receive tips, and many owner-operators of small taverns don't have any employees other than themselves and family members.)"
