Tobacco.org

• Ban on smoking has already cut pub sales by 10% 

The new law on smoking in public places, including bars and restaurants, which was introduced in June of last year, has led to a clear decline in bar sales. HOK-Elanto, which owns and operates more than 100 bars and restaurants in the Greater Helsinki area, reports that income from bar sales since last July has been consistently around 10 per cent down on the equivalent monthly figures in 2006.

A similar picture is drawn by other publicans and restaurateurs in the region who were interviewed by Helsingin Sanomat. . . .

Heinonen states by contrast that sales of food have increased in the chain’s eateries. "If the new legislation has caused this, then it has had a positive impact."

"When one looks at customer behaviour patterns, then this [the introduction of the law last June] has been an important change in Finnish restaurant history", comments Heinonen. He nevertheless is confident that people will find their way back to restaurants and bars. "The Finns are not going to stop drinking."

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