SMOKING
BAN - STATISTICS
March 2000
Note:
This ban was implemented province-wide in British Columbia on 01
January 2000 by the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) »
Liquor sales were down by 11% in Jan/Feb 2000
compared with Jan/Feb 1999
» Draft Beer sales were
down by 13% in Jan/Feb 2000 compared with Jan/Feb 1999
» This drop in liquor
sales represents about $3 million
» 706 layoffs have been
reported to the Coalition of Hospitality Organizations as of March 15th
» Five businesses have
closed, one in Castlegar, two in Dawson Creek, one in Prince Rupert and
one in Hixon.
» The reduced payroll
alone from the laid off workers is $15.53 million, that does not begin
to mention economic spinoffs, or the dramatically reduced number of
shifts
» Approximately 100
operators have pulled the Keno/Pull Tab provincial lottery machines from
their businesses in protest, this represents millions of lost dollars to
the BC treasury.
» Businesses are
reporting drops from 15% - 85%, dependent upon the geography, the
demographic makeup, and the type of establishment. Worst hit are
northern and interior liquor establishments, and rural coffee shops.
» 5,000 posters are
being placed around the province to encourage patrons to call their MLA
to complain.
» Over 3,000 employees
faxed a letter to the WCB prior to the smoke ban which read "Don't
do me any favours, we never asked for this regulation."
» Over 70,000 postcards
were sent to the Premier's Office from workers and patrons saying "accept
a ventilation solution"
» Over $750,000 (that we
know of) has been spent by the WCB in propaganda against the hospitality
industy.
» 20 Municipalities (and
rising) have written letters of support for the hospitality industry's
ventilation solution.
According to our poll by Market
Explorers, taken in mid to late February:
- 64% of British Columbians
believe the WCB has been heavy handed
- 79% believe ventilation
solutions should be considered by the government
- 77% believe workers should be
able to choose whether to work in a smoking or non-smoking section
- 62% believe owners should be
able to choose whether smoking is allowed in their business
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