Search

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to extend an earlier evaluation of the economic effects of ordinances requiring smoke-free restaurants and bars. Methods. Sales tax data for 15 cities with smoke-free restaurant ordinances, 5 cities and 2 counties with smoke-free bar ordinances, and matched comparison locations were analyzed by multiple regression, including time and a dummy variable for the ordinance. Results. Ordinances had no significant effect on the fraction of total retail sales that went to eating and drinking places or on the ratio between sales in communities with ordinances and sales in comparison communities. Ordinances requiring smoke-free bars had no significant effect on the fraction of revenues going to eating and drinking places that serve all types of liquor. Conclusions. Smoke-free ordinances do not adversely affect either restaurant or bar sales. (Am J Public Health. 1997;87:1687-1693)

Objectives. The effect on restaurant revenues of local ordinances requiring smoke-free restaurants is an important consideration for restaurateurs themselves and the cities that depend on sales tax revenues to provide services. Methods. Data were obtained from the California State Board of Equalization and Colorado State Department of Revenue on taxable restaurant sales from 1986 (1982 for Aspen) through 1993 for all 15 cities where ordinances were in force, as well as for 15 similar control communities without smoke-free ordinances during this period. These data were analyzed using multiple regression, including time and a dummy variable for whether an ordinance was in force. Total restaurant sales were analyzed as a fraction of total retail sales and restaurant sales in smoke-free cities vs the comparison cities similar in population, median income, and other factors. Results. Ordinances had no significant effect on the fraction of total retail sales that went to restaurants or on the ratio of restaurant sales in communities with ordinances compared with those in the matched control communities. Conclusions. Smoke-free restaurant ordinances do not adversely affect restaurant sales. (Am J Public Health. 1994;84:1081-1085), Banning smoking in restaurants does not appear to adversely affect restaurant sales. Sales tax data on 15 California cities and three Colorado cities with bans on smoking in restaurants were analyzed. The 15 California cities included two cities, Beverly Hills and Bellflower, that had restaurant smoking bans but then repealed them. The restaurant smoking bans appeared to have no significant effect on the proportion of retail sales that went to restaurants. The smoking bans also appeared to have no significant effect on total restaurant sales when cities with restaurant smoking bans were compared with cities without bans. Additionally, restaurant sales in Bellflower appeared to increase after the ban went into effect and restaurant sales in Beverly Hills appeared unaffected by the ban or its repeal.