Press Release

Victoria Freedom of Choice Coalition

Victoria, British Columbia, 12 May 1999

Hospitality Sales Down by $6 Million

Despite Leonardo

The Freedom of Choice Coalition today released the results of its preliminary survey on sales following the CRD's smoke ban, and the news is not good.

The Victoria-area hospitality industry suffered losses of an estimated $6 million in the first 3 months of 1999 - and that during a mini economic boom in the downtown core spurred by the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit.

One hundred of the 300-odd hospitality licensees were randomly selected and requested to respond to an anonymous survey of sales receipts from Jan-Mar 1999 in comparison with Jan-Mar 1998. Preliminary results indicated that the 100 establishments suffered a combined loss of $2.04 million year over year - from $13.034 million to $11.029 million.

"If these figures are extrapolated over the 300 licenses throughout the rest of the calendar year, the losses could add up to a colossal $24 million throughout the region," warned Coalition Chair Brian Mayzes.

Mayzes added:

"our worst fears are coming true--many businesses are cutting back on staff, while many others have simply stopped enforcing the bylaw."

The Coalition is calling on Tourism Victoria to join the 1,500 member Freedom of Choice Coalition in supporting their request for an end to the CRD's smoke ban. Further economic data will be released shortly.


The Victoria Freedom of Choice Coalition represents over 1500 businesses, concerned citizens and organizations in the Capital Regional District. The Coalition opposes the CRD's smoke ban in Victoria's hospitality industry and supports ventilation options. Contact: Brian Mayzes (Tel) 250 386 2152



> BACK TO FORCES INTERNATIONAL MAIN PAGE <