A study released Tuesday said smoking bans have no negative economic impact on Wisconsin cities, although negotiations on a statewide ban remain stalled in the Legislature.
The study was sponsored by the Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group.
Data from Madison and Appleton show the city smoking bans had “either a neutral or positive economic impact,” said Public Interest Advocate for WISPIRG Bruce Speight.
According to Speight, businesses in Madison with liquor licenses have experienced an increase in business, average property values have increased and there is a waiting list for liquor licenses in Appleton.
Speight said despite WISPIRG supporting a ban, the study was unbiased because it was a compilation of peer reviewed studies written by scientists.
Speight said the Center for Tobacco Control found “every study claiming a negative economic impact was supported by the tobacco industry.”
According to Speight, good public health policy is the most important reason for a statewide smoking ban.
State Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, said the study confirms that a statewide smoking ban would not harm businesses.
According to Risser, a ban might affect cities differently than small towns, but the health impact is what counts.
“This is a protective regulation that will benefit every citizen,” Risser said.
Carrie Lynch, spokesperson for state Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker, D-Weston, said the smoking ban would have a larger impact on central and northern Wisconsin.
Talks over a statewide ban broke down last week in the Legislature.
According to Lynch, there are no new negotiations currently scheduled.
Wando’s, a local bar, has seen a decrease in employee smoking and an increase in employee morale, the bar’s General Manager Dave Neumyer said.
“A majority of employees used to smoke, but after the smoking ban only two or three employees smoke,” Neumyer said.
He said there has been an increase in business but does not attribute it to the smoking ban.
Great Dane Pub and Brewing Company General Manager Kristin Jorgenson said there has been a definite increase in business after the smoking ban.
According to Jorgenson, there have not been any positive or negative comments from patrons or employees.
