Supporters of a statewide smoking ban say it will save taxpayers money by reducing health care costs in Illinois.

But at least one economist says that notion holds as much weight as a flicked ash.

Patrick Fleenor, chief economist at the Tax Foundation, a Washington-based educational group, said the state won’t save money and will most certainly lose it if fewer people buy cigarettes.

"That’s nonsense," he said of the supposed health care savings. ’’And the reason that it’s nonsense is that smokers more than pay their way.’’

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By Mike Monson
Wednesday May 2, 2007
CHAMPAIGN – Mayor Jerry Schweighart said it's likely he'll introduce an ordinance at the May 15 city council meeting to immediately repeal the smoking ban in Champaign bars and restaurants.

Schweighart said the fact that the Illinois House and Senate have overwhelmingly approved a statewide ban on smoking in public places, effective Jan. 1, doesn't faze him.

"My inclination is to rescind our city ordinance banning smoking so we go back to the way we were," Schweighart said. "Right now, if we leave it the way it is, our local people will still be losing business. It will give us seven months to have a level playing field."

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May 2, 2007 - 9:10am

Adrienne Mitchell, WTOP Radio

WASHINGTON - It's been four months since D.C.'s smoking ban went into effect, and local restaurant owners say it's been tough so far.

"Places that are hurt are bars, pool places and places where people tend to drink more than eat," says Andrew Kline, general counsel for the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington.

He says 35 percent of members claim revenues have gone down since January.

Any business that can prove it's lost 15 percent or more can now apply for temporary relief from the ban.

"We expect that some of our members will attempt to take advantage of that."

If a waiver is granted, the restaurant would be allowed to offer smoking in up to 25 percent of its seating.

Cafes and places with outdoor seating have weathered the ban a lot easier, Kline says.

Smokefree D.C., which backed the ban, says other areas have shown smoking bans ultimately benefit business.

In Montgomery County, for example, it says restaurant sales taxes were up nearly 8 percent in the first 16 months of the ban.

(Copyright 2007 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

Adrienne Mitchell, WTOP Radio

WASHINGTON - It's been four months since D.C.'s smoking ban went into effect, and local restaurant owners say it's been tough so far.

"Places that are hurt are bars, pool places and places where people tend to drink more than eat," says Andrew Kline, general counsel for the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington.

He says 35 percent of members claim revenues have gone down since January.

Any business that can prove it's lost 15 percent or more can now apply for temporary relief from the ban.

"We expect that some of our members will attempt to take advantage of that."

If a waiver is granted, the restaurant would be allowed to offer smoking in up to 25 percent of its seating.

Cafes and places with outdoor seating have weathered the ban a lot easier, Kline says.

Smokefree D.C., which backed the ban, says other areas have shown smoking bans ultimately benefit business.

In Montgomery County, for example, it says restaurant sales taxes were up nearly 8 percent in the first 16 months of the ban.