National Statistics and Information
This page presents data from nationwide studies on the effects of local smoking bans, which are directly relevant to the Northern Kentucky, should a ban be enacted.
Social Impact - DUI Fatalities
A recent study shows that communities with a ban that border an area without a ban, suffer an average 13.44% increase in the number of DUI fatalities. (Adams and Cotti 2008).
And, the longer a ban is in place, the greater the increase in DUI fatalities as compared to pre-ban figures. In areas where the ban has been in place for longer than 18 months, the increased fatality rate is 19%.
Why is that?
Between 80 and 95 percent of alcoholics smoke cigarettes; a rate that is three times higher than among the population as a whole. Approximately 70 percent of alcoholics are heavy smokers (i.e., smoke more than one pack of cigarettes per day), compared with 10 percent of the general population (NIAAA 1998).
Alcoholics who smoke drive around smoking bans, and are therefore ont he road for a greater number of miles.
Passing a smoking ban is equivalent to issuing a death sentence for innocent people.
Economic Impact - Loss of jobs, tax revenue
Bars in areas with a smoking ban suffer a loss of customers, and therefore revenue. (Adams and Cotti 2007; Adda et al. 2007)
As a result, employment at bars decreases. (Adams and Cotti 2007).
Other businesses, unrelated to bars and restaurants in the area covered by smoking bans suffer, while those in surrounding communities without a smoking ban flourish. (McCormick-Jenkins 2007)
A Kentucky Enquirer article shows that the communities closest to the ban area (Ohio) are doing better than all surrounding areas, made evident by nationwide economic downturn. http://tinyurl.com/banshelpky
The studies cited on this page are legitimate studies, however, we are unable to distribute the findings ourselves, due to copyright laws. Please use a search engine of your choice to verify these findings for yourself. Links to articles about these studies are provided below.
DUI fatalities summary: http://tinyurl.com/banskill
Alcoholics smoking rate: http://tinyurl.com/drinksmoke
Paid for by Northern Kentucky Choice, Eric Cranley treasurer
copyright 2008