Bar Related News
New report: Smoke-free ordinances allow for healthy hospitality industry
Economic data align with Minnesotans’ support for a statewide law to create healthier workplaces
Released: February 12, 2007
Contact: Andrea Mowery
Director of Marketing and Communications
(952) 767-1404
Clearway Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS , Minn., Feb. 12, 2007 -- Smoke-free ordinances caused no apparent economic harm to local communities that have passed laws protecting restaurant and bar workers from secondhand smoke, according to a new study on the economic impact of such policies in Minnesota. The study analyzed economic data from seven Minnesota communities with smoke-free ordinances and from the state of Minnesota as a whole. It found that the number of hospitality establishments in communities increased following implementation of smoke-free ordinances, suggesting a robust economic environment. It also found that hospitality industry sales remained consistent with established trends from the previous decade.
The report reviewed data from 1994 through 2005 in Beltrami, Hennepin and Ramsey counties, the cities of Bloomington, Golden Valley, Minneapolis, and Moorhead, and the state of Minnesota. The report was conducted by the Minnesota Institute of Public Health, contracting with Dan Stoltz, CPA, MBA, and Mike Bromelkamp, CPA, MBA, CIA, and was sponsored by ClearWay MinnesotaSM. It is the most complete analysis of independently verified data to date in Minnesota.
“National research in this area is substantial and conclusive: throughout the United States, smoke-free ordinances have been found to have a neutral or positive economic impact on communities,” said Barbara Schillo, ClearWay Minnesota Director of Research Programs. “These data are consistent with the other studies.”
This economic report also supports the findings of a statewide public opinion survey released in January. The survey found that 86 percent of Minnesotans said they would go out to bars and restaurants as much or more following the implementation of a statewide smoke-free law. The survey also found that 69 percent of Minnesotans support a comprehensive statewide smoke-free law that includes bars and restaurants.
These two reports will provide useful information to Minnesota legislators as they consider the passage of a comprehensive smoke-free law this year.
“We have known for a long time that smoke-free policies are good for workers’ health,” said David Willoughby, ClearWay Minnesota Chief Executive Officer. “Now we have local evidence to counter the myth that they are bad for business. This study shows that it is possible to have a healthy workplace without sacrificing the economic vitality of the hospitality industry.”
Methodology
The research study was intended to take a comprehensive, long-term perspective of the effects of various smoke-free ordinances. The design of the study was based on key components of a credible economic impact study, encompassing several sources of objective data, research into historical trends, an adequate time period of data and appropriate statistical techniques. Sources of research data include the Minnesota Department of Revenue, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and the Minnesota State Demographic Center (Department of Administration).
For the complete report, visit www.clearwaymn.org.
Authors
The Minnesota Institute of Public Health contracted with Dan Stoltz, CPA, MBA, and Mike Bromelkamp, CPA, MBA, CIA, to conduct this study. Dan Stoltz is the Chief Financial Officer of the Twin City Co-ops Federal Credit Union, and Mike Bromelkamp is a Principal with Olsen Thielen & Co., Ltd., CPAs.
ClearWay MinnesotaSM is an independent, non-profit organization that improves the health of Minnesotans by reducing the harm caused by tobacco. ClearWay Minnesota serves Minnesota through its grant-making program, QUITPLAN® Services and statewide outreach activities. It is funded with 3 percent of the state’s 1998 tobacco settlement.
For more information on QUITPLAN Services, call 952-767-1400 or visit www.clearwaymn.org.