Aaron Klemz makes excellent points regarding studies of the economic impacts associated with smoking bans-- GREAT POST Aaron. He says, in part: > ...These points don't discount the sheer number of > studies that purport to prove that the business impact > of a smoking ban would be minimal. However, I'm > suspicious of the "science" on both sides. These > studies frequently have poor methodologies, attempt to > measure the impact of a ban in a limited amount of > time (the CADS El Paso study measured the impacts of > one year of receipts, the NYC "study" looked at 9 > months of results, and/or are funded by ideological > organizations. > and > ...my guess is that the answer to this question > is not simple. There will winners and losers, and who > is which depends on a complex set of variables: number > of smoking customers, location in relation to > jurisdictions without bans, the "commitment" of these > smoking customers to the business, the mix of food and > liquor sales, etc. > > No answers, just more questions.
[MH] Aaron is right. Be careful interpreting these studies, be they pro or con on the issue. It is a very complicated subject area, and most studies are funded by organizations that may have a conflict of interest given the subject at hand. Today's STrib reports that several million dollars in state funds are currently being used to support anti-smoking campaigns statewide, with at least $500K going toward anti-smoking campaigns in Mpls-St.Paul. The article discusses the appropriateness of using state funds in efforts to change local laws and ordinances. The old MPAAT group was reprimanded for similar activity that supported local smoking bans rather than efforts targeted at individuals. There are many prime contractors and subcontractors involved in developing these plans and strategies, and in spending these funds. I have a question for list members- In an effort to get full disclosure-- Are any of the smoking ban proponents posting to this list under contract/subcontract to promote local smoking bans? Have you received any anti-smoking funding for such efforts over the past decade? Same question to those opposing such a ban. If this list is being used to sway public opinion via a paid lobbying effort, I think list members would appreciate knowing it. Thanks in advance. Michael Hohmann Linden Hills www.mhohmannbizplans.com REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
