Bierverkopen blijven sterk achter in rookverbodgebieden
De verkopen van bier in steden waar rookverboden werden ingevoerd blijven zwaar achter bij die van steden waar de anti-rokenlobby nog niet heeft toegeslagen. Dat blijkt uit cijfers van de Brewers of Ontario.
De gemiddelde bierverkopen werden geregistreerd over twee periodes
van 8 maanden (september tot maart) in 2001 en 2003. In de steden mét
rookverboden liepen de verkopen met 12.07% terug, in de steden zónder
rookverboden met 5.44%.
“What is really scary is that these numbers represent only three areas”
stated McKay. “With additional 100% bans now kicking in elsewhere, the number of
small Ontario businesses running into financial difficulties will
mushroom.
One of the first areas to feel the impact will certainly be
Kingston where, for reasons unknown, smoking has even been banned on
patios”.
“PUBCO would encourage Toronto’s council to take a long hard look at these
numbers when considering the possible removal of designated smoking rooms
(DSRs)” stated McKay. “Even with DSRs, Toronto showed a downturn in licensed
sales of 7.04%, well above the average of 5.44%. A small portion of Toronto’s
downturn can no doubt be attributed to the SARS outbreak; however, based on the
Ottawa experience, introducing a 100% ban will result in the closure of over 200
Toronto pubs and bars”.
Newswire