Ottawa bylaw model of how to make smoke-free work

Edmonton Journal - July, 2003

As Edmonton City Council struggles with food and beverage industry concerns over smoking bans, Ottawa's experience may provide some lessons. Hospitality industry officials say that bars and restaurants with good food and a pleasant ambience have thrived in Ottawa, where smoking indoors in public places was outlawed two years ago. Hardest hit have been some traditional taverns and pubs, where smokers go to drink. But the industry collapse many predicted has not happened, said Steve Monuk, a managing partner of eight Ottawa-area restaurants and bars. In fact, before this summer's dramatic decline in tourism, Monuk's business had exceeded pre-ban sales figures. "That has hurt us more than anything," Monuk said. The SARS scare, the war with Iraq and the weakening U.S. dollar have all contributed to a dearth of tourists in Ottawa this year.