Tobacco.org

Smoking ban is a year old; business fears failed to materialize 

It's been one year since Arizona went smoke-free in bars, restaurants and other enclosed public places. Has the ban persuaded people to stop smoking?

Meg Kondrich of the American Cancer Society thinks it has had some effect, but she gives more credit to the higher cost of puffing away.

Kondrich notes that, in the same election in which the Smoke-free Arizona law was passed, voters approved an 82-cent increase in the tobacco tax, bringing it to $2 a pack.

``It's proven that when the cost of cigarettes goes up through tobacco taxes, more people are willing to quit," she says.

Teens, especially, are smoking less because of the social stigma and the simple fact they can't afford the habit, says Kondrich.

Meanwhile, many restaurant and bar owners who feared doomsday with the smoking ban, say their business is okay.

Jump to full article »