Media Clipping — Saturday, October 13, 2001, The Daily News, Halifax

Cigarette ban good for business – study

GPIAtlantic says bars, restaurants will profit from law

By Peter Mclaughlin

Snuffing out smoking in public places will not only save lives and help turn people off cigarettes, it will even put cash in the registers of Nova Scotia’s smoky bars and restaurants, according to a new study.

Outlawing smoking in public places will cut tobacco use by 20 per cent and save almost $200 million a year in health-care costs and productivity losses, study authors at research group GPI Atlantic reported yesterday.

The study on the impact of smoke-free legislation on businesses is the first of its kind in Canada. It comes on the heels of the province’s promise Thursday to introduce legislation next spring prohibiting smoking in workplaces and public places.

The findings bolster the case for banning smoking in restaurants, hotels and bars – something the hospitality industry says it will fight.

GPI Atlantic director Ron Colman said the research shows overwhelmingly that limiting second-hand smoke in the workplace is not just healthier – it’s good for business.

"We’ve known smoke bans would save lives and save the health-care system money, and be good for the economy as a whole, but now we know there’s no adverse impact on restaurants bars and hotels," he said.

Colman analysed restaurant, bar, hotel and tourism receipts before and after smoke-free legislation came into effect in parts of the U.S. and Canada. He found sales decreased in the first two months of smoke-free policies, but rose over the long term.

In many cases, businesses made more money, attracting non-smokers who had previously avoided bars and restaurants.

"It’s good news, I think, to know there’s no conflict in protecting the health of Nova Scotians and business interests," said Colman.

But many bar and restaurant owners yesterday weren’t buying that argument.

"In certain types of establishments, a smoke ban will be devastating," said Luc Erjavec, vice-president of the Canadian Restaurant and Food Services Association.

He said a compromise should be worked out, perhaps with a focus on improving ventilation in businesses and setting air quality standards.

Colman said improved ventilation won’t work. The technology has not been developed yet to remove the most dangerous toxins associated with second-hand smoke.

The American Society for Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers, which sets industry standards for indoor air quality, has said there is no acceptable level for second-hand smoke.

Health Minister Jamie Muir said he will consult with the industry before tabling legislation, but it will not be watered down.

"The legislation that will be introduced will have teeth," he said.

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