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Media Advisory
Eighty-two New Bars and Restaurants
Since No-Smoking Law: City Study
May 5, 2002
(Ottawa) Eighty-two new bars and restaurants have opened since Ottawa went 100% smoke free nine months ago and Ottawa Councillor Rick Chiarelli is pleased that the new growth proves the industry has adapted and moved on.
Chiarelli released a City staff report today, which includes the list of restaurants and bars that have been newly built, purchased with substantial new investment or expanded since August 1, 2001. This list includes brand new establishments or establishments where a new owner has invested in creating a new business, and does not include changes of ownership. The evidence proves that the doom and gloom predictions of opponents to the City's clean air law were by and large unfounded.
"The arrival of eighty-two new establishments in nine months tells me that investors have tremendous confidence in Ottawa's hospitality sector," said Rick Chiarell, Councillor for Baseline Ward.
"Talented bar and restaurant owners are investing in response to new trends and a shifting market. Our city has a thriving and vital hospitality industry that continues to grow," said Chiarelli.
"The official voice of Ottawa's hospitality industry is confident about the potential for ongoing growth," added Chiarelli, referring to a letter to Mayor Bob Chiarelli earlier this year in which the Ottawa Restaurant, Hotel and Motel Association voiced its support for the smoke-free by-laws.
The City's staff report echoes recent data from Statistics Canada, which shows a slight improvement in the prospects for Ottawa bars and restaurants. In the period since the clean air law was implemented (August 2001- March 2002), Stats Can reports 18 bankruptcies in the hospitality sector compared to 21 in the same period the year before the by-law.
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