[Gabz]

Take out business did pick up in places that were predominantly eat in, and so that really hurt the wait staff. And in home catering picked up big time - at first. It fell off right after the holidays.

Granted I’m only speaking of where I lived at the time (2002, Dover DE) but the ban went into effect the night before Thanksgiving. Private parties in local restaurants were cancelled left and right-— some of which had been booked BEFORE the ban was even voted on. Places like the Elks, Moose, and VFW all got more private business party reservations than they could handle - because restaurants were no longer able to accommodate the clients that had booked the place to begin with.

[caww]

I have family members in manager positions within the Hospitality business...they certainly saw a drop off in business at holiday....and this was in a four star hotel with a restaurant. The Hotel industry also fought this ban. They knew it would impact their business.

I will disagree fully with those who think smoking is simply for low lifers.....I know woman who are "closet" smokers because it's no longer considered socially acceptable. So they hide their habit as much as possible.