For Immediate Release	Contact: Andy Deloney
August 17, 2010	517/377-3931

MRA Survey On Smoking Ban Shows No Economic Benefit
More restaurants and taverns have been hurt by ban than have benefitted

LANSING, Mich., – The Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) today released results of its first survey on the impact of the smoking ban on restaurants and taverns, indicating that establishments have been more than 2.5 times more likely to experience a decrease in sales than to have experienced increased sales.

According to the survey, about 43 percent of restaurant and tavern operators have reported no change in their sales or the number of visitors to their establishments since the smoking ban took effect on May 1. However, while 14.8 percent report an increase in their sales since the ban took effect, 42.4 percent state that their sales are down since the ban was enacted. Additionally, 16 percent of establishments report that the number of visitors to their establishments has increased while 41.2 percent say that their traffic is down.

According to MRA president and CEO Rob Gifford, while most restaurant and tavern operators have seen little or no benefit from the ban, there are far many more operators who have been hurt by the ban than have benefitted. “Despite the claims of proponents that smoking bans lead to increased business, this clearly has not happened,” said Gifford. “In fact, nearly three times as many restaurants and taverns have been hurt by the ban as have been helped by it.”

In July the MRA conducted a survey of its members asking for their input on if and how the new statewide smoking ban law has affected them. The survey found:

    1. The majority of restaurant and tavern operators (55%) opposed the proposal to ban smoking and continue to do so, despite attempts by some to publicly call the ban an economic success.

    2. The biggest percentage of restaurant operators (43%) have seen no change in the number of visitors to their establishments, the length of their patrons’ stays, or in their sales.

    3. Of the restaurant operators who said that the smoking ban has had an effect on the number of visitors, length of stays, or in sales, the number of operators who report a negative impact is more than 2.5 times greater than the number who reports a positive impact.

    4. In regard to the views of their patrons, 47.5% of restaurant and tavern owners state their guests have been supportive of the ban, 29% state their guests have opposed the ban, and 23.5% state their guests have had no discernible views on the ban.

The Michigan Restaurant Association will continue to conduct periodic surveys of its members to gauge their attitudes over time towards the Michigan workplace smoking ban law.

The Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice community.  Founded in 1921, the MRA represents more than 4,500 Michigan foodservice establishments.  The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 423,600 people and creating more than $13.1 billion in annual sales. For more information please call 800-968-9668.