[Hodar]

After the ban, when business went down due to smokers, their friends, and family finding a different venue that still catered to their desires, the waitstaff was let go and businesses that were already on the cusp because of the economy went under.

Do you insist on taking your family to smoking sections in resturants? Every smoker I know asks to be seated in the No Smoking section; then lights up as soon as they leave. From personal experience (and this is just MY experience) I usually have to wait for a table in the No Smoking section, but can get seated quickly (if not immediately)if I'm willing to sit in the Smoking Section

Granted, when you are teetering on the edge of going under, every penny counts. I just question whether the smoking issue in resturants hurts them at all.

[Just another Joe]

Do you insist on taking your family to smoking sections in resturants?

If I'm going out with my wife to a fine dining establishment that I know I'm going to be spending 100s of dollars at for the experience of the dining as well as the food, yes we do sit in the smoking section.
After the meal we will sit over desert and coffee and I'll smoke a cigarette with my coffee.
Other than that, sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on who's along and how many smoke.

[Protagoras]

I just question whether the smoking issue in resturants hurts them at all.

And they just question why you think it's any of your business.