A new study suggests Michigan’s two-year-old public workplace smoking ban has had little effect on the state’s bar and restaurant industry.
The smoking ban took effect in May, 2010.
University of Michigan researcher Helen Levy says her research shows the overall sales tax revenue and Club Keno sale trends at Michigan’s restaurants and bars were essentially unchanged by the smoking ban.
“The downside that it could potentially kill the bar and restaurant industry doesn’t seem to be the case,” says Levy.
The study says the ban did negatively affect some businesses.
Adriane DeCeunick is a spokeswoman for the Michigan Restaurant Association.
She says the association’s members have had different experiences with the law: Some have seen business hurt, others have seen business improve and others have seen no change.
