From 2005 through 2011 Bismarck was one of many North Dakota cities enacting local smoke free ordinances before the final statewide comprehensive smoke free law was passed in 2012. At that time, much debate and speculation took place regarding the economic effects the smoke free ordinances would bring to the local bar and restaurant industry.
A study on the economic impact of the Bismarck smoke free ordinances on the bar and restaurant industry has been completed. The study includes sales tax data from Bismarck and Mandan bars and restaurants from the first quarter of 2004 through the fourth quarter 2012. The purpose of the study was to bring objective and verified data measuring the revenue pre and post smoke free ordinance, to see if any negative economic impact occurred from enacting the Bismarck smoke free ordinances.
The study includes information from a reasonable time before the smoke free ordinances went into effect and accounts for underlying trends and random fluctuations in the business cycle.
The results follow the national trend of revenue after a smoke free law is passed – no significant impact on overall restaurant or bar revenue was found.
The study was completed by Duane B. Pool, Economist and Ph.D. in Biometrics and Statistics. “Smoke free ordinances and laws save lives, and the study completed today, reveals further evidence that they don’t hurt business,” said Dr. Duane B. Pool, Researcher.
Research has shown that smoke-free policies have a number of clear health benefits: they reduce nonsmokers’ exposure to secondhand smoke, encourage smokers to quit smoking, and improve the health of hospitality workers.
Bismarck is one of eight North Dakota cities that have passed local ordinances as strong as or stronger than the state smoke free law. McGeary states, “No matter what economics show, the most important reason to pass smoke free laws and ordinances is for the protection of the public.”
To learn more about tobacco prevention contact Bismarck Burleigh Public Health at 355-1594 or visit www.breathend.com.
For information about quitting smoking, call 1-800-QUIT.NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit www.ndhealth.gov/ndquits.