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Study Finds No Overall Negative Impact on Bars and Restaurants from Michigan's Dr. Ron Davis Smoke-Free Air Law

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 17, 2012

LANSING - The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has released a study that analyzed the economic effects of the Dr. Ron Davis Smoke-Free Air Law. MDCH commissioned the University of Michigan-Institute for Social Research, Professor Helen Levy, Ph.D., to conduct the study using data from the Michigan Department of Treasury.

Dr. Levy's study found that there has been no significant negative effect of the ban on overall aggregate bar and restaurant sales and monthly Keno sales.

An analysis of the economic impact was conducted using sales tax collections from Michigan retail eating and drinking establishments as well as from Club Keno sales. Data was evaluated from 2006 to 2011 to see whether sales were lower after the ban took effect than they would have been based on historical trends.

"It is important to note that while some establishments saw sales fluctuations after the passage of the Dr. Ron Davis Smoke-Free Air Law, bars and restaurants as a whole were not adversely affected," said James K. Havemen, Director of the MDCH. "We commend Michigan bars and restaurants for their support in transitioning to a smoke-free environment as this law has also drastically improved the air quality in these establishments. There is no question that Michiganders have a healthier environment because of this important piece of legislation."

In December 2009, the Ron Davis Smoke-Free Air Bill was signed into law, making Michigan the 38th state to protect bar and restaurant workers and the public from exposure to secondhand smoke in the workplace. Enforcement of the law began on May 1, 2010.

"The Dr. Ron Davis Smoke-Free Air Law continues to do its job by eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke and providing a healthier environment for Michigan employees, the public and our visitors," said Dr. Dean Sienko, Interim Chief Medical Executive at MDCH.

The full report is available at http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-2940_2955_2973_55026---,00.html. For more information about the Dr. Ron Davis Smoke-Free Air Law, visit www.michigan.gov/smokefreelaw.

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University of Michigan Economic Impact Study