Bennett's Smut-N-Eggs, 416 S. Park St., a popular restaurant where patrons could eat and watch pornography, closed its doors this weekend.
The restaurant had been open for business in Madison for many years, but according to Ald. Austin King, District 8, Smut-N-Eggs may have shut down because Gene Bennett, the owner, spent thousands of dollars advertising in the Onion ""complaining"" about Madison's smoking ban.
King said in general business at local bars and restaurants has increased since the smoking ban was initiated in July 2005.
""We've opened more businesses and people love it,"" King said.
George Twigg, spokesperson for Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, said the mayor does have a plan regarding the growth of business in Madison and that evidence has shown that overall, businesses have not really been affected by the smoking ban.
Still, Twigg noted that individual establishments—like Smut-N-Eggs—could have seen some affect from the smoking ban.
""For some places it's been a significant plus and other places have struggled, but you need to look at the big picture,"" Twigg said.
