Quotes: [continued from above]
While the ordinance was being deliberated, many business
owners asserted that tourism would decline in Aspen, and that business revenue
would decline. Therefore the City Council provided for a 6-month review of
the impacts of the ordinance, which at first provided for smoking and non-smoking
areas in restaurants. (Restaurants opposed this because they felt they would
have vacant tables in one section, but customers for another section, thus losing
business.)
The City surveyed over 100 restaurants and other businesses. The survey did not
find that the smoking ordinance had any negative impact on businesses or tourism. This
clear finding gave the Council the assurance it wanted that businesses would not
be hurt if they proceeded with measures necessary to protect the public health. (At
the time, less was known than now about the direct harm caused by second-hand
smoke.)
The ordinance has not caused any enforcement problems,is widely supported
by both residents and visitors, and has not been found to negatively affect
businesses. If you would like additional information, please feel free to
contact me.
Sincerely,
Lee Cassin, City Director
Aspen/Pitkin Environmental Health Department
