The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The Hotels Association has announced that they believe costs to the province will be in excess of $100 million annually for the January 1, 2005 implementation of a province-wide smoking ban. "This will have an immense economic impact on the province," said Tom Mullin, Executive Vice President, Hotels Association of Saskatchewan. The government's decision is a major economic concern for the Hotels Association of Saskatchewan (HAS) and its members. HAS feels it is important for the public to have honest economic facts. Hotel, pub and bar industries have been hugely affected in all Canadian jurisdictions where smoking bans have already been implemented. Sales figures have dropped dramatically and quickly, resulting in extensive employee lay-offs and, in many cases, business closure. To date, an economic study has not been undertaken. Without such a study, comprehensive understanding of the economic impact cannot be accurately determined. "My business is located in Brandon where we've had a smoking bylaw in place for two years now. In the past two years, I estimate that I've lost an average of $20,000 per month, for a total loss of nearly $500,000 in sales," said Heidi Howarth, Trails West Motor Inn. Similar trends are beginning in Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and Yorkton, where smoking bans have already been implemented. See 'Lost' P.# Con't from P.# The Hotels Association estimates that establishments in these locations have lost over 25 per cent of their business. "Without a doubt, economic impacts of a total smoking ban in Saskatchewan will be devastating to the hotel and bar industry and will seriously impair this province. It will affect jobs, taxes and economic growth, especially in smaller communities," said Tom Mullin. "We have calculated that this will be a $58 million hit for the Saskatchewan government alone," said Mullin. Add to that number the losses to the hospitality industry, casinos, charitable bingos, suppliers and to employees and you have an economic impact of well over 100 million. He went on to say that he believes it's crucial for Saskatchewan people to understand the financial impact this new smoking ban will have on everyone. The Hotels Association has identified a workable solution that can be viewed as a win-win-win scenario for the industry, the government and the residents of Saskatchewan. The solution calls for a relaxation of the smoking ban, which would allow for the implementation of separate ventilated smoking rooms in age-restricted establishments. Ventilation is a proven, workable solution that saves businesses and jobs, while accommodating both those who wish to avoid tobacco smoke and those who choose to smoke. "The B.C. government let us build ventilated smoking rooms in the age restricted areas of our establishments. It saved a lot of businesses and a lot of jobs," said Gordon McCormick, a B.C. pub owner. The Hotels Association continues to talk with various levels of government in an attempt to find a solution to this problem. In the meantime, an advertising campaign will be ongoing. The campaign focuses on informing Saskatchewan residents about the massive economic impact for many businesses and communities. 12/29/2004
