Media release:                     February 25, 2003

Smokefree bars don't lose business
New study confirms scare campaign unfounded

Banning smoking in bars and restaurants does not lead to loss of business,  despite a scare campaign by tobacco interest and front groups, says a new international review of the quality of nearly one hundred studies on the issue.

The review of 97 studies, published today in Tobacco Control, * criticises the studies claiming loss of revenue after smoke bans as “biased and of poor quality.” These studies, say the review authors, were:

• four times more likely to use subjective rather than objective measures;
• 20 times less likely to be peer-reviewed; and
• without exception, funded or partly funded by sources close to the tobacco industry.

Of the 21 studies assessed by the review as “quality studies” in terms of their objectivity, independence, and peer-reviewed status, none reported a negative business impact from no-smoking policies – in fact, four of these reported a positive effect on sales.

The authors conclude that “fears that smoking bans in bars and restaurants eat into revenues are unfounded… policy makers wishing to reduce exposure of employees and patrons to the dangers of second-hand tobacco smoke should be reassured by these findings.”

The SmokeFree ’03 coalition of Australian trade union and health groups welcomes the report. Says coalition spokesperson Anne Jones:  “Hospitality proprietors have nothing to fear and everything to gain by going smoke-free.  Hotel and club associations should end the disinformation campaign and threats over ‘smoker backlash’ and welcome smoking bans as good news for staff health and bar profits”.

“All credible evidence shows that moving to fully smoke-free venues will protect employees and patrons from serious harm, will enjoy widespread popular support, and will improve hotel and club profits.

“For example, the latest survey from Western Australia shows 95% support for tighter restrictions – with smoke bans likely to attract almost three times the customers they deter.” ** 

* Scollo, M et al, “Review of the quality of studies on the economic effects of smoke free policies on the hospitality industry”, Tobacco Control 2003;12:13-20.   Full paper: http://tc.bmjjournals.com/cgi/data/11/4/DC1/1  

** Latest survey from WA shows massive public support for bans, likely benefit to business.
See  www.ashaust.org.au/SF'03/files/WAopin0302.doc.

Comment:                    Anne Jones, CEO, ASH Australia            ph. 0417-227-879

Media info:                  Stafford Sanders                                    ph. (02) 9334-1823               

SmokeFree '03 coalition:
Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers' Union; Musicians' Union of Australia;
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance; Australian Council of Trade Unions;
Action on Smoking and Health Australia; The Cancer Council Australia;
National Heart Foundation of Australia; Australian Council on Smoking and Health

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