On May 1st, 2010 Michigan became the 38th state to ban smoking in all public places. Lawmakers said the ban was passed to improve health and the environment issues caused by secondhand smoke. How has this effected Michigan?
State Rep Mark Meadows, D-Ingham County, said since Michigan wasn't the first state the pass the ban, the government knew what to expect. Most bars and restaurants were not effected, and Meadows said he believed some restaurants even saw an increase in revenue.
MDCH reported that the smoke-free air law had little to no effect on the food and beverage industry. According to the website, MDCH said total sales tax collected has increased in Michigan since the ban was implemented last May.
After meeting with managers of local bars and restaurants, most reported the same statistics. Revenue was down at first, but when everyone adjusted, business went back to normal. Since the ban was unified and all public places were required to abide, there weren't alternatives to a smoke-free establishment.
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