States: Smoke ban is a boon

Publication Date: 2006-03-18

• Author:Bill Scanlon
• Publication:Rocky Mountain News

Studies note gains in tax revenues, health of workers

Most cities and states that ban smoking in restaurants and bars see not only a spike in health but a boost in sales tax revenues, analyses show.

Colorado's smoking ban became a virtual certainty Friday when House members approved it 38-24 and sent it to Gov. Bill Owens, who said he will sign it.

It is expected to become law on July 1.

Evidence from the 12 states with smoking bans, as well as the many U.S. cities with widespread bans, indicates that along with fewer burning eyes and hacking coughs comes an uptick in tax revenues from bars and restaurants.