Clearing The Air

Minnesota smoking ban increases revenue in bars & restaurants....

......in smoking allowed Wisconsin that is.

[...a] few days into the ban, which took effect Monday, there hasn't been a rush of cigarette-wielding Minnesotans over the river. But some [Wisconsin] tavern workers have noticed a few strange faces mixed in with their regulars.

Erin Kenney, a bartender at Pudge's, said she's seen from six to 12 new customers a day during daytime hours. "It might not sound like much, but during the day that can make a big difference," she said. "Two guys came from West St. Paul just so they could smoke. I have some new regulars now, I think."

Bartender Neil Phillips, of Dibbo's in Hudson, said the ban has been a boon. "Starting Monday, we doubled our business," he said. "About 25 percent of the new people came back Tuesday night and the next night.

"He said the new law could bring back the good old days when Minnesota bars closed at 1 a.m. and drinkers rushed across the border to make Wisconsin's 2 a.m. closing.

"Obviously, it's a good thing," he said.

Full story found here.

Who could have guessed this would happen......apparently not the Nicoderm funded lobbyists, nor the short sighted Minnesota lawmakers.

posted by marcus aurelius @ 8:03 PM