Around Buffalo and Grand Island where I reside bars are dying and closing doors. The health dept are putting outrageous conditions on waivers.
I think this is bull$hit.
No, the poll you're thinking of was the one that supposedly said that 80% of NYers think the ban is a good thing. It was conducted by one of those "Citizens for a Smoke-Free Something-Or-Other" groups. They used REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS for the poll.
This thing here is allegedly from the NYS revenue crowd. But as other posters have mentioned, they've cooked the books by comparing this year's revenues with 2002 numbers. On top of that, they are counting "revenue," which means they are counting the increased taxes as compared to 2002, as well.
They should get back to me when they decide to do a REAL survey...but they don't really have to, 'cause as a NYer myself, I can believe my own two eyes. The bars are being KILLED by this, and the ones who have lost the most business have decided to ignore the law altogether.
Regards,