Michigan Bars Seeing Revenue Increases

Michigan, like Wisconsin, debated the smoke-free issue before finally acting  last year to go smoke-free. Much of the debate centered around a potential loss in revenue or the potential damage to small business. Despite the mounting evidence that smoke-free laws do not negatively impact businesses, legislators are still reluctant to believe the statistics.

Just weeks after Michigan went smoke-free they are already seeing increases in bar revenue. Bar owners are reluctant to speak out about their feelings about smoke-free laws because they want to please both smoking and non-smoking customers. Reports are coming in that in Michigan bars are seeing the faces of customers who have not been in for years. Some might have quit smoking and going into a smoking bar was too much temptation to resist. An owner of some restaurants as saying that they are seeing more families and the immediate increase was pretty dramatic.To read the rest of the story click here.

From all accounts it seems like our neighbors are enjoying the smoke-free air. Wisconsin will see the same types of increases once we go smoke-free. All those folks who have opted to go to smoke-free places or dine and drink at home will have the ability to go anywhere they please. If Michigan can adjust, so can Wisconsin.

Where are you looking forward to going once Wisconsin goes smoke-free?

Congrats to Michigan!

Starting May 1st, Michigan went smoke-free! All bars, restaurants, and other workplaces went smoke-free.

Michigan's smoke-free is considered comprehensive because it includes all workplaces like offices or manufacturing facilities but also restaurants and bars.

There are some standard exemptions like for cigar bars, tobacco retailers, the gaming floor of certain state-run casinos.

Some great earned media efforts from across the state:
http://www.themorningsun.com/articles/2010/05/03/news/srv0000008182847.txt

http://www.annarbor.com/news/adapting-to-smoking-bans-rules-isnt-crystal-clear-for-ann-arbor-bars-restaurants/

http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=12412151

http://www.freep.com/article/20100430/NEWS06/4300370/1318/

http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20100425/LIFE/4250432/1103/NEWS10/Get+ready+for+smoke-free+Michigan+May+1

Great work to the all the advocates in Michigan. Your work will make an impact on the future generations!

Michigan going smoke-free!

Last Friday Michigan Goverrnor Granholm signed their new smoke-free air bill into law! This is an exciting moment for the residents of Michigan. Clean air and healthier works coming right up!

Congrats to Michigan and to all the clean and clear air that will be coming their way.

Visit the campaign website for more details.

Hats off to Michigan! lawmakers pass smoking ban that exempts 3 Detroit casinos, cigar bars, home offices -- chicagotribune.com

According to the ChicagoTribune Michigan Senators passed a bill today that would cover all workplaces, restaurants, and bars in the state. There just a few exemptions for 3 Detroit Casinos, cigar bars, home offices, and motor vehicles.
This is a HUGE step forward for Michigan and the air is finally clearing for our neighbors!
For the full article click here.

New smoke-free neighbor?

The Detroit News reported that an amended smoke-free law could clear the Michigan Legislature this year. It is disappointing to hear that it will most likely exempt casinos. Leadership from both houses indicated that passing this important health protecting bill is a priority before the holiday recess. Leadership indicated the votes were there to pass a smoke-free workplaces, restaurants and bars law, but its appears the votes are a little thin on including the casinos. While this would be an important step forward for public health, it leaves out workers in Detroit casinos who deserve protection from secondhand smoke- just like other workers.

The compromise legislation would allow smoking on the casino floor but not in hotels, restaurants, or bars located in casinos. Some of the reports on Michigan's progress towards becoming the next smoke-free state are disturbingly similar to Wisconsin's debate- words like compromise and "let's just get this thing done." Wisconsin and Michigan both considered smoke-free legislation last legislative session. Both states did not pass comprehensive legislation. Legislators in both states are or were concerned about "getting it done" instead of getting it right. Let's hope Michiganders can stand strong for smoke-free workplaces, restaurants, bars, and casinos.