When considering whether to ban smoking, business owners should consider the economic impacts. The effects of a smoking ban on the hospitality industry can be negative. Studies have found that businesses that do not prohibit smoking are more likely to receive citations and lose business. A smoking ban can also have negative effects on property values in areas where property values are rising.
Smoking bans also can target certain establishments, such as bars and social clubs. These organizations cater to smokers and may find it costly to separate smokers from nonsmokers. These establishments should be careful about who they target with a ban because the effects are not necessarily the same for everyone. A ban can be effective for businesses that cater to smokers and alcohol drinkers, but it can also have an adverse effect on nonsmoking customers.
A smoking ban will also affect the amount of secondhand smoke in an environment. Smoking bans reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, and may lead people to quit smoking spontaneously. In addition, a ban will reduce the number of smokers in a given space. However, people may avoid smoking in certain situations, such as in social settings and when around children.
Casinos should also consider the effect a smoking ban will have on gaming revenues. If casinos ban smoking, gaming revenue could decline by 20% to 25%, according to a recent study by Spectrum Gaming Group. Casinos with outdoor gaming patios are popular with smokers. A ban on smoking in casinos could also hurt neighboring casinos.
Several scientific reports and clean-air policies have proven that smoking in public places has harmful effects on health. Some states banned smoking in public places in the 1970s, but these measures were not comprehensive bans. In the late 1970s, Arizona became the first state to make it a smoke-free state. Similarly, the Civil Aeronautics Board recommended a no-smoking section on commercial airplanes.
A new law was passed in Manhattan Beach that bans smoking in public places, but it exempts moving vehicles and private residential properties. Council members questioned why the city made such an exception. They claimed that it was to limit federal spending. In the end, the ban was upheld by the courts. The smoking ban is the result of a legal case. It ended up in a legal battle, but the decision paved the way for the ban on public spaces.
The costs of a smoking ban are not trivial, and some businesses are unable to afford it. Nonetheless, a number of businesses continue to refuse to comply, including bars, restaurants, and private clubs. While these businesses have an obligation to comply with a smoking ban, the public health authorities rarely complain publicly about noncompliance. This does not help the public health cause. The costs associated with noncompliance must be weighed against the benefits of the ban.
While the smoke-free initiative has had its share of negative rhetoric, it has also seen a positive light. On New Years Day 2005, the smoke-free initiative was featured on a national television show. A poll on the impact of events in 2004 revealed that the ban on smoking was the most significant positive event in Ireland. It was 15% ahead of the second place event.
