Smoking ban dries up business
On some weekend nights, there used to be seven waitresses working the crowd at Perfect Pitcher Sports Pub in Taylor.
But since Michigan’s smoking ban went into effect May 1, Natalie Samu, the soon-to-be ex-owner of the bar, has just one or two waitresses serving the dwindling crowd.
“Our business is down over 50%,” said Samu, who sold the bar earlier this month but will stay on as manager. “I know things go down in the summer, but it’s never been this bad.”
A survey by the Michigan Restaurant Association backs up Samu’s woes. More than 42% of responding restaurants said their sales have declined since the ban went into effect, while nearly 15% said their sales have increased and 43% said they have seen no change.
Employees have been laid off; hours have been cut for others, and the tips have shrunk for the waitstaff and bartenders who are left, said Bo Burton, general manager of the Blarney Stone. Even the bands that get hired for entertainment are losing business.
“My smokers who still come in have one or two (drinks) and then go outside for a smoke,” Burton said. “Food sales are about the same, but alcohol sales have tanked.”
The Michigan Lottery also is hurting from the loss of revenues from Keno and other games that are played in bars, spokeswoman Andi Brancato said. Revenues are expected to be down about $35 million this fiscal year over last year.
“That means a $10-million loss to the school aid fund,” Brancato said. “There are certainly different factors that contribute …but the smoking ban is definitely a factor.”
Source: Freep.com. Link
