Sales of alcoholic beverages have declined by $11.7 million in Dallas restaurants since the city instituted a smoking ban, according to an economic impact study commissioned by Dallas restaurant owners.
The Greater Dallas Restaurant Association on Monday released the survey to its members. The survey was conducted by Bernard Weinstein and Terry Clower, professors of economics at the University of North Texas.
The study shows that since March 1, 2003 when the ban was instituted, suburban cities saw alcoholic beverage receipts increase. The study also showed there have been several restaurant closings and a reported loss of revenue at many Dallas restaurants from the smoking ban.
“Unfortunately, the findings in this report are consistent with what we expected would happen when the city banned smoking in Dallas restaurants,” said Tracey Evers, executive director of the restaurant association. “The findings are consistent with what happened in Carrollton and Plano when those cities initially banned smoking.”
Evers said both cities later repealed the bans.
Mark Maguire, immediate past president of the association, said the group will continue to monitor the impact the smoking ban has on its members, and plan to have future conversations with Dallas officials.
The Greater Dallas Restaurant Association has more than 1,000 members. The group promotes growth of the restaurant industry by providing educational programs, public awareness campaigns, and grass-roots government affairs initiatives.
