Impact of Smoking Ban Still Debated

We're digging deep to see if the smoking ban really is hurting Columbia business

Posted on Wed Jan 9, 2008

Today marks the one year anniversary of the city of Columbia's smoking ban.

Some customers love it; others hate it.  On the business side the split is the same; some say it hasn't changed business while others have had to close their doors and are blaming the ban.

We took a look back at 2007 and found out which businesses closed, how many opened up and what it all means for the city.

Since the smoking ban began restaurants have been dropping left and right, 31 to be exact.  Not all of them blamed the ban but a few made it very clear so you probably heard about it.

What you may not have heard about is the 35 restaurants and bars that opened in 2007, adding fuel to the fire pushing the debate along even more.

Otto's Corner Bar, the Bull Pen Cafe, and the Colosseum Bistro are just a few of the bars and restaurants to close their door blaming the ban.

The Boone Liberty Coalition, who has been against the ban from the beginning, say there's a lot more out there.  John Schultz a member of the coalition says at least seven bars have claimed the smoking ban was partly to blame for the closure and there may be others.

With all the closings, opponents say it's not only hurting those closing their doors, but all of Columbia.

City officials say they don't know if the smoking ban is to blame, but the city's increase in sales tax revenue's is down across the board.  Lori Fleming, Columbia's Director of Finance says, "We're only seeing about 1% increase over last year and that's low for city of Columbia."

But not all places are suffering.  Brian Ash the owner of Bambino's says the only difference he has seen is the cloud of smoke that no longer exists.  He says, "I really can't say anything the smoking ban has had any affect on our business."

Ash told us he's more worried about all the restaurant chains coming in, and people just spending less money all together.  He says that's what is really behind all the closings. 

Ash says, "Its competition, its economy, its not easy to keep restaurants door open and so there's a lot of different factors but I truly believe for restaurants....smoking ban is not going to be a reason people go out of business."

The city's final sales tax numbers won't be out for a few more months, but even when they come in it won't provide a clear cut answer to the question: is the smoking ban hurting Columbia businesses?  It will just remain how it's always been throughout the year; it depends on who you ask.