2 years into the state law, restaurant and bar owners say the rule against lighting up indoors seems to be good for business.
Jump to full article: Harrisburg (PA) Patriot-News, 2010-09-07
Author: DAVID WENNER
Intro: Pennsylvania's indoor smoking ban in public places turns 2 on Saturday.
Contrary to the fears of some bar-restaurant owners, it doesn't seem to have caused many smokers to kick their habit of going out to eat or drink.
"Business has actually increased because of it, so I can't complain too much," said Stephen Weinstock, owner of Stocks on Second in Harrisburg.
Jack Hench, owner of Ye Olde Ale House in Hampden Twp., was one who worried the ban would hurt sales.
Yet Hench, a nonsmoker, also realized that cigarette smoke made it impossible to see across his establishment on Friday nights.
His customers like it better without the smoke, it turns out.
"I would have to say, out of all honesty, it has been better, business-wise," he said.
State police enforce the ban at eating and drinking establishments. The number of citations and warnings are falling, said Capt. Thomas Butler.
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