Study shows smoking ban could have positive affect on Kearney's economy

At the tip of the theoretical iceberg that could be a smoking ban for Kearney is how that iceberg might affect the city’s economy.
At a public hearing at the April 7 Board of Aldermen meeting, Amanda Petelin with the American Cancer Society introduced a recent study on how smoking bans have affected various municipalities in Missouri, specifically those cities’ economies. The study was written by Noaman Kayani, Stanley R. Cowan, registered nurse Sherri G. Homan, Janet Wilson, Victoria Fehrmann Warren and Dr. Shumei Yun. It was published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of its publication on preventing chronic diseases.

“Overall, the smoke-free ordinance was associated with a significant increase in revenue for eating and drinking establishments in 8 of the 11 cities,” the study stated. “For the other 3 cities, we were unable to detect a significant effect of the ordinance on the taxable sales revenues.”

The study found that Nixa had the largest increase in revenue at 36 percent. Nixa enacted its smoking ban in 2007. Maryville had the second highest increase at 18 percent.

“Consistent with findings of most peer-reviewed economic studies of smoke-free ordinances, we found that smoke-free ordinances had no negative effect on the local economy,” the study stated.

The authors did note that their study had limitations. When analyzing restaurant and bar data, they had access to only aggregate data, therefore they were unable to determine whether such bans had a negative impact on specific businesses.

Chip Glennon, president of the Kearney Area Development Council, said that while he didn’t smoke and a ban wouldn’t affect his business, it could have an affect on other businesses and those effects should be taken into consideration.

“As a business owner, I think it affects some of my peers in the community that own restaurants and bars,” Glennon said. “I think how they feel about this is important. It doesn’t affect me, but it affects them financially.”

The Board of Aldermen was asked why the city couldn’t bring the issue to a public vote, like other cities have. Dane said that Kearney, being a Class 4 city, couldn’t bring the issue to a public vote because it doesn’t involve a taxing issue. Additionally, Dane said he believed a decision on this issue shouldn’t solely be based on how it would affect the local economy.

“In my mind, it’s not a revenue issue. I don’t think this should be about gaining revenue,” Dane said. “This is more important than gaining a dollar here and a dollar there.”

Dane said the issue was more about the public’s health and the rights of small businesses. Dane added that there were many businesses in town that offered quality food that also prohibited smoking in their establishments.

“If I want a really good steak, I might go to Liberty, but not to avoid the smoke,” Dane said.