But what these officials (who were apponted by the smoking ban proponent governor fail to mention is that prior to the smoking ban in November the 'racinos' had been experiencing an 11% increas in revenue from the preceeding year. This 13% decline they cite ignores that little factoid. in essence revenue is down at least 24%. which is also what bar and restaurant revenues are down by as well.
Delaware officials say the decline is due partly to the smoking ban, but they also blame poor economic conditions and poor weather last winter and again in late summer.
Delaware officials lie. There was only one week of really bad weather last winter. As to bad summer weather, people seek indoor activities when the weather is bad. And they did - just not in Delaware, except in exempt locales. Bar and restaurant revenue increased this summer for the beach areas in Maryland, and skyrocketed at the Elks and Moose Lodges, VFW posts and American Legion halls throughout Delaware (they are exempt from the ban)