Quote:
Since the ban was put in place, business at restaurants and bars has increased, and all the people who were complaining about how it would infringe on their rights have been left with their foots stuck firmly in their mouths. The only person still whining is one bumtown hotel owner who is trying to scapegoat the results of his crappy business practices on the smoking ban.
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http://www.azfamily.com/news/local/s....6d86a090.html
Tempe Bar Owners: Smoking Law Snuffing Out Business
07/11/2002
The Associated Press
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Tempe bar owners are red hot over the city's controversial smoking ban, saying they're upset that business has gone up in flames since the ordinance took effect May 31.
Now, bar owners want voters to approve a new and more lenient anti-smoking law.
About 25 bar owners met Wednesday on a plan of action. They're meeting next week with an attorney to draft a smoking ordinance that's similar to one approved by Mesa voters. The Mesa ordinance allows hardship exemptions and the rules are less stringent.
The owner of Mill Avenue Beer Company says business is off by 40 percent.
Lee Fairbanks led the successful Proposition 200 effort to ban smoking. He says voters won't change it. He says the same people who believe clean air is better than dirty air are still around.
also...
http://www.azfamily.com/news/local/s....5275fdf8.html
and...
http://www.azfamily.com/news/local/s...1.c4af4d3.html
Tempe bar, restaurant owners blame smoking ban for problems
05/11/2003
By azfamily.com Staff
More than a dozen Tempe bars and restaurants are out of business, revenue is down at many of those still operating, and owners are blaming the city's smoking ban.
Sales revenues are down about 12 percent overall.
Mayor Neil Giuliano said it's unfair to place all of the blame on the ban, which went into effect almost one year ago. He pointed out that people are spending less money in general because of the strained economy.
Embroiled in a legal war, the smoking ban is set to go back to the voters, who will decide on an amendment to repeal the portion of the law that bans smoking in bars.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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i'm fine with it not being in restraunts and other places, but let me smoke in a fucking bar please! i want a smoke with my beer...