- Michael LeBoeuf Businesses Harmed by Smoking Bans (mostly NY covered) - CHART
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.)
Last Update: Thursday, June 03, 2004
http://www.davehitt.com/facts/badforbiz.html
Other states posted:Black Duck Lounge Tavern
70% Houlton ME
"I've never seen it like this before. It's like all the customers just disappeared."
Coldspring Volunteer Fire Dept. Tavern 50% 75% 1 Steamburg NY
"The fire department owns the bar. Money from the bar buys equipment for the fire department. The income has been cut in half. This money buys new ambulances, trucks, gear ect. Remember, this all volunteer. Without the bar money we are going to have to rely on the town for revenue. You may lose your house or even someone's life without the money for the equipment..."
pulled from the chart mentioned above..
OMG! This list is getting HUGE! What a pitiful situation for all these business's to be in.
A VERY large list there, and I am afraid that a lot more are going to follow. Pity!