Does a public smoking ban increase business?

Question

Ohio just passed a public smoking ban. I have been told that bars will actually increase business because all the non-smokers will now come out of hiding and spend their money at bars. Is this true? Please answer if you have experience in states that already have public smoking bans (like CA, NY, FL) AND your business was affected. I'm a barmaid and I'm worried I won't make enough money now because the majority of my good tippers are smokers. I work in a private club (VFW), so the general public isn't allowed there anyways.

Private clubs are exempt from ban only as follows: Club has no employees (paid or volunteer). Club has no guests. Club has no children under 18. Club has D4 license.
Well, the club has employees...hmmm...go figure!

tinkertop and don'ttalkjustplay05: I agree that this is not right that business owners can't choose to cater to smokers. Smoking is legal still. That is called free enterprise. Then, smokers and non-smokers can choose to spend their money where they see fit. Unfortunately, people didn't think to leave it up to free enterprise while also protecting the public at the same time...compromise!

tinkertop: Government had nothing to do with ban. It was brought on by people who petitioned and voted for by the Ohio voters on election day.

Answer 1

Your business will increase. However take it from me Your tips won't smokers are generally the more genrous of the two tippers.This does not apply to all but in a genral manner of speaking. I am sure your own experience on who as a barmaid showed you who were more likely to give you the higher tips.

Answer 2

increase or no increase. You should care that it just took away your right as the smoker and the non smoker to choose. Non smokers love it because they wouldn't smoke anyway. If the point really is to have an establishment that is smoke free / why not just start your own restaurant with no smoking. I mean come on if the money is really going to be that good how can you do anything but rake it in. But, what if the ban was against something the non smoker really enjoyed. Would they all still be so happy? Think about this. Whether you smoke or not don't ever give up your individual right to make that decision. Here's another thought while keeping in mind I am a total non smoker. The restaurant businesses were once required to include a non smoking area for those that wanted to eat without the smoke. Why is it now ok to ignore the rights of those who choose to smoke and one more thing. Shouldn't it be the businesses right to say how they run that business. They after all are putting up the risk of capitol? BUT the bottom line is that while smoking is not illegal, the government without a vote of the people are chosing for you. It can easily cross over to other areas of your life. BE AWARE.

Answer 3

When NY mandated smoke free environment in bars, the bars lost my business! We simply moved the party to a private residence and kept on drinking AND smoking! It worked out great for us ... beer and booze is cheaper at the store than it is at a bar, no tipping necessary (serve yourself), no taxi fares (we generally stay put after the game now!), and if the sporting event we are watching gets boring, we can always switch to "poker night!" My friends and I are saving some serious bucks since NY went smoke free! The [possibly former] patrons of bars in IL should look at the positives! They will have MUCH more fun at a private residence than they ever could have had at a bar! Non-smokers probably ain't much for drinking either, the bars will lose business from the smokers, which will not be replaced by anti-smokers! The cab companies will lose fares (especially at closing time) and tips. The only "positive" I see is for restaurant owners! Even the most rabid anti-smoker has to eat, and these businesses might see a slight increase in business. Instead of a ban, how about a compromise? Make every place of public accomodation post one of three signs: Smoking allowed throughout the premises (anti-smokers should not enter! Smoking areas available (indicating that non-smoking areas are also available. Anti-smokers should still avoid entry, but non smokers with a tolerance level for SOME smoke should consider entry.) Non-smoking establishment! (Hard core smokers will want to avoid entry, non smokers and anti-smokers will feel right at home) Then "let the market decide", only the profitable businesses will remain open!

Answer 4

The effect on business related to smoking bans is generally proportional to the area. In metro areas where there are other towns which allow smoking these bans do effect business over a short term period. When Dallas passed their smoking bans it included restuarants, bars and hotels. They lost countless millions in convention business because numerous cities around them did not have these bans. While it is true in many cases that some smokers will go to non smoking establishments, many will drive the extra distance to another close town. Either way I disagree with smoking bans. I do not believe the government should be allowed to tell private business owners that they cannot allow their patrons to engage in a legal activity. Market forces should dictate private business policies. If enough people refuse to frequent a place which allows smoking, business owners will impose their own bans to preserve their profit margins.

Edit: If the people voted and it passed then there is not much you can say about that. Simply put the will of the majority is absolute in our system of government. However, these smoking bans are rarely brought up for public votes. They are generally mandated by the city government without opportunity to voice dissention through voting.

Answer 5

I don't think the ban can be enforced in a private club. Yes, I think that business will increase. Smokers won't stop going to the bar they will just smoke outside like always. Also, who wants cigarette smoke in their food when they are trying to eat.

I understand smoking, but I agree with Ohio that smokers do not have the right to poison those around them.

Answer 6

i live in ohio and voted against this intrusive law. If it's good for business, why didn't the bar owners put the "no smoking" sign on the door years ago? it's their place, they could have done so had they wanted. But they didn't. Why? maybe because it wasn't good for business? ya think?
Don't get me wrong. I hate smoke. I'm a former three pack a day smoker, I quit ten years ago after watching my dad die from lung cancer. I can't STAND to be around it, or even smell it. I have a daughter who smokes, her husband smokes, and she brings my one year old grandson over to the house and i have a hard time picking the boy up because he stinks of tobacco. but I'm also pro freedom, pro-liberty, and I got a big problem with the state telling bar owners how they should run their business.

Answer 7

Private Clubs may be exempt from the public smoking ban law... so you shouldn't have anything to worry about - except your pulmonary health being exposed to smokers.

most people realize that cigarettes are actually harmful - personally, I think it's great that once you quit smoking you can still frequent your old haunts and not be tempted to pick up that nasty habit again. even people who smoke have admitted they are offended by others who smoke in restaurants while they are trying to enjoy a meal. It is true that people who have never smoked will now feel comfortable in restaurants, bars, etc and will come out of hiding. people who quit smoking can feel good about having the government validate their effort by taking away the temptation in public areas.

Answer 8

All the non smoking places in my town are jammed full of people. The smoking ban has helped business. I know I won't go anywhere they allow smoking unless it is an outdoor restaurant. I never go to clubs because of the smell, and inhaling all the 2nd hand smoke makes my chest hurt. I'm in Florida.

Answer 9

I lived in Florida now GA. I love going to even restaurants now that there is no more smoking. I got tired of walking passed the smoking section to get to the non smoking section. glad they stopped people from smoking, that is a very nasty habit. when I would go to places that had smoking, even if I did not smoke, I would smell like I was smoking. my cloths smelled so bad from the stink. sometimes when we would go to a resturant that had smoking all they had was a wall between us, we still smell the smoke. now we can breath. the only thing I hate is when people stand by the door and smoke. they are suppose to be at least fifty feet from the door, but they don't

Answer 10

In Minneapolis they have a smoking ban in bars and the owners I have spoken to say they are losing business. I think it is a fallacy to say non-smokers will make up the difference. They dont smoke and probably dont drink alcohol either as it is bad for you.