[Stu Cohen]

What is the current level against historical levels? If revenues fell 20% the year prior and rebounded 9% this year, that's hardly proof that the smoking bans are improving revenues.

I don't think that Fox (or anyone) can prove that revenues went up due to the smoking ban. Frankly, I doubt that it was the overwhelming cause.

The point was that the "doom and gloom, the bars will all go bankrupt" scenario did not materialize.

[NittanyLion]

I don't think that Fox (or anyone) can prove that revenues went up due to the smoking ban. Frankly, I doubt that it was the overwhelming cause.

I also doubt it can be proved, since there are far too many independent variables involved.

The point was that the "doom and gloom, the bars will all go bankrupt" scenario did not materialize.

Actually, the point of this post was (and I quote) "Apparently the 'If I can't have my way I'll stay home' crowd of puffers were outnumbered by 'Now that the air has cleared I think I'll stop in for a drink'. Since these numbers are supported by public tax revenue records, there's n o doubt all the "chimney chicken little/ sky is falling" scenarios proved to be just whiners blowing smoke."

That said, your statement assumes facts not in evidence. Did some bars go bankrupt? Has there been a decrease in revenue that will force others into bankruptcy? Have revenues increased? Clearly the information provided is incomplete for the purposes of drawing any conclusions whatsoever.