In the working-class borough of Staten Island, an assistant manager of a bar chuckled at what hardly seemed like a joking matter. A smoking ban was instituted in the state three years ago, and the effect at Mug Shots was clear.

“[Business has] probably been cut down by half because of it,” Steve Conroy said with a chuckle.

Business owners, industry experts and economists seem to almost universally agree that the bans in New York and in New Jersey have had significantly detrimental effects on sales, although estimates vary as to the precise impact on business. Experts say traditional bars and taverns – particularly ones in working-class neighborhoods with high smoking rates – have been affected the most, while nightclubs and restaurants have seen smaller drops in business. Some restaurants have reported an increase in business.

“There’s no question … that the smoking bans have hurt the taverns and the bars,” said Scott Wexler, the executive director of the Empire State Restaurant and Tavern Association.

He said a loss of about 20 percent of sales has been typical.

“People have seen gains from the floor, closing the gap in the losses. But most of my members are still doing less business today than they were before the ban … About 25 percent of our member establishments closed over the last three years.”

Source: The Evening Bulletin. Link Expired.

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