Six month checkup on the smoking ban

How has the smoking ban in bars and restaurants affected businesses?

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• smoking
• ban
• maryland

[wordforge]

The scariest thing was when the barman said - whether I want it, you want it or Joe Public wants it, it isn't going to change. Why not? I thought we were living in democracies?

[HairyChestnuts]

How come these people that were claiming the ban had not affected there business's, were doing so in such empty bars? And the where did you find that selfish sod at the end that likes the ban because he doesn't have to hang his coat out in the porch? Smoking bans are decimating the hospitality trade the world over. There isn't a carpet big enough to sweep the damage under.

[old56timer]

this crap starts in California or new york by the left wing elitist, then it gets forced on the rest of us. They are just a bunch of socialist trying to control every day of our life.

[217ify]

@wordforge In case you haven't noticed....

[217ify]

OK, so everybody "loves" the smoking ban (at least most of those we're allowed to see; who knows what was edited out). If it's so great and doesn't hurt business, why not make it optional? Surely the bar owners, workers and patrons woho think it's no big deal will want to maintain the clean, wholesome atmosphere. Isn't that what people go to bars for?

[vilhammer44]

Its coming everywhere. Its just a matter of time. As soon as Obama and Congress pass the tobacco bill and it is regulated by the FDA then it will be everywhere.

[gen1lee]

well,in tenn the ban has destroyed the coffee shop businesses the restaraunts and nitelife.

wafflehouses report 60%loss in business and tips.Most of the smokers pack up and head to

kentucky or north carolina so they can sit and have a smoke at dinner. Ive driven as much as 200 miles to have a smoke....they can all go to hell I aint quitting especially when they tell me I have too.....

[gen1lee]

well,in tenn the ban has destroyed the coffee shop businesses the restaraunts and nitelife.

wafflehouses report 60%loss in business and tips.Most of the smokers pack up and head to

kentucky or north carolina so they can sit and have a smoke at dinner. Ive driven as much as 200 miles to have a smoke....they can all go to hell I aint quitting especially when they tell me I have too.....

[BIKabballa]

They Antis call that 'Leveling The Playing Field'. Just hold out a few more years, they say, and the non-smokers will 'eventually' RUSH in to fill the current void left by the smoking customers (smokers are known to be generous tippers too). So now old faithful, profitable bars and pubs are now closing their doors forever, just like all the rest of private enterprises. Nobody will PAY to be treated like a criminal, persecuted and hounded by Nazis, or hang out with a bunch of old nagging hags.

[CowgirllnTheSand]

According to the DR text article: "Brandenburg said the smoking ban, which took effect in February, almost put him out of business. He said he lost somewhere between 45 percent and 60 percent of his sales because regular customers began driving to Pennsylvania, where it's legal to smoke inside. Instead of staying open until last call, Brandendburg said he would shutter his bar at around 10 o'clock most nights...."

That's what we really see in MD.