On July 29th, 2008, it has been more than a month since the city wide smoking ban was enforced in Grand Island. Now some business establishment commented that it is affecting the number of their customers. The smoking ban law was enforced on June 1st, 2008. Since then, smoking in bars and restaurants is no longer permitted. Karen Consbruck said that their customers are not staying as long as they used to be and aside from her tips, their profits are lower than it used to be.
Food sales have slide down by thirteen percent. The sales of liquor and beet are down by thirty percent. Consbruck said that customers that used to drink three to four beers are now drinking just one especially if they are a smoker. She added that even outdoor beer gardens are not doing well. Even the keno lottery sales have seen their profits drops since the enforcement of the smoking ban.
Bonzai Beach Club owner Brent Lindner said that they have seen a drop in Keno sales before the implementation of the smoking ban but it drop even lower after the implementation of the smoking ban. The owners of the businesses in the area said that they can absorb the losses for now but they do not know if they can continue to do so in the near future. Keno revenues are extra cash that some businesses use to finance their operation.
Through the Hall County keno, business owners that host keno are paid a percent on every $1 that is wagered by their customers. The Hall County Administrator commented that keno sales dropped by thirty-two percent in June. But those sales are beginning to improve again, which is good for business in Hall County.
[26-08]
John Sullivan
