The state of New York banned smoking in all workplaces (including company cars), restaurants, bars, bowling alleys and pool halls in July 2003 as part of its Clean Indoor Air Act. This legislation was enacted following the smoking ban New York City put into effect in March of the same year. The ban in New York City banned smoking in all restaurants, food-service establishments and bars. The ban in New York City was proposed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg called for the legislation in large part to protect workers from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke some experience while on the job. But years after the smoking ban has been in enacted many wonder if the economic costs outweigh the benefits in health for the population.
An economic study prepared by Ridgewood Economic Associates, Ltd., in May 2004 shows that in the year following the enforcement of New York's smoking ban, bars had significant financial losses in direct relation with the fact that patrons were no longer permitted to smoke in their establishments. An article by Scotsman.com shows that the argument that while bars may lose smoking patrons they will gain even more non-smoking patrons because of the smoke-free atmosphere is not happening.
While some New York bars and restaurants have experienced economic losses because of the smoking ban, do those losses outweigh the health benefits the population of New York is experiencing because of the smoking ban? In a research study done for the New York Health Department researchers found that hospitality workers reported less symptoms related to encountering SHS (second hand smoke). In addition they noticed that the level of saliva cotinine levels also decreased in correlation with the decreased exposure to SHS.
In the year following the implementation many business owners worried about their loss of revenue, it appears now that despite studies done in 2004,current trends for 2006 and 2007 show an increase in tourism and business. In a recent article by John Hopkins School of Public Health it discusses that restaurant receipts are up 8% from pre-ban records and NYC is doing more hiring. So in the end it all comes down the question is what seems to be short-term loss in revenue for businesses affected by the smoking ban worth it for long-term health benefits for the public?
**Photo Credit: This photo was taken by me in Times Square this summer while on vacation.
2 comments:
As always great facts. The picture is great. It's awesome that you actually took it in NY. I wonder what state you'll cover next. Will you ever do a post about Ohio? Or are you saving the best for last?
This is crazy interesting. I always here about how businesses are being affected but I never hear about how it's helping the health of the public. Thanks for all the articles. I'm not to smart when it comes to medical and economical jargon. What about Ohio? I know you don't want to step on anyones toes in our class but you could change the title to just "Lights Out" and cover different states. I'm liking that a lot. It orients our problem here to the rest of the country. Cool beans, can't wait for the next one.
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