Smoking ban boosts jobs in New York

THERE’S one problem with the letter entitled ‘New York sports and suburban bars decimated by smoking ban’ (Irish Examiner, March 31). It’s not true.

After all, look who wrote the letter: a representative of the United Restaurant & Tavern Owners of New York. This group is just another mouthpiece for the tobacco people who are too cowardly to speak for themselves. Look under the skirts of anyone speaking out against smoke-free air and you will find the tobacco people.

Smoke-free air is good for people and for establishments.

New York city is just one more shining example. Since the long overdue smoking ban took effect last year, bar and restaurant revenues are up nearly 12% and more than 10,000 new jobs have been added in that sector of the economy.

Everyone has a right to smoke-free air. Only the tobacco people and their friends continue to dispute the facts.

Bravo to Ireland for going smoke-free. Now my wife and I are planning to visit and spend our money in your wonderful country.

Dave Johnson,

2270 Canyonwood Drive,

Arlington,

Texas 76012,

USA.