Clearing the smoke

Following up on Sam's Southern cities weigh effects of smoking ban:

The Star interviewed Lynne Zaris, director of the Coalition for a Tobacco Free Alabama last week.

She was asked, What would you tell someone who claims anti-tobacco laws are bad for their restaurant? Her response:

That the research does not support that theory. In New York, California and Alabama, the figures for net profits one year after implementation of smoke-free ordinances shows either an increase or leveling thereof. Many restaurants save on cleaning and maintenance costs, employee healthcare costs and gain customers who otherwise would not have patronized the restaurant. Since 75 percent of the Alabama adult population (19 years and older) do not smoke, that more than makes up for the customers lost.