Dear Editor:
As a NYC bar owner, I can tell you with absolute honestly that the smoking ban has caused more than a 30% loss in business. The after work customers either don’t stop by or just have one or more, and this continues throughout the evening. The NY Night Life Association and the Empire State Restaurant and Tavern Association and other groups will tell you the same. Bloomberg and friends will, of course, tell you differently. Politicians say look how bans in California and Florida work, well both states have certain exemptions for bars. Bars were exempted by voter referendum in Florida and owner operated bars are exempted in California. And as for working in a smoking environment, well what about giving workers and owners a CHOICE? No one is advocating smoking, it’s bad for you. But a Big Brother government is worse. Don’t let government dictate our personal lifestyle choices, and our business practices.
J.R.