STUDY: Industry not hurt by smoking ban

Ottawa Citizen - December 6, 2001

Ottawa hospitality industry is not suffering as a result of the smoking ban, according to a KPMG report commissioned by the city. The firm was hired by the city's health department to conduct a year-long study into the economic impact of the smoking ban. Yesterday, the first of four quarterly reports were released.

The data collected since the ban took effect at the beginning of August shows a hospitality industry stronger than it was in the past two years. Employment insurance claims in the food service industry actually declined by 5% in August compared to August 2000.