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Smoking ban killing business owners say
Duh! Who knew?
Ive personally seen a lot less traffic in the entertainment district in Toronto since May 31 myself. I cant imagine what its like for windsor.
Who wants to travel to a place only to be told that you cant do things that you enjoy?
Perhaps this is why tourism in Toronto is hurting? Its at an all time low. Meanwhile American tourism to Europe has never been better despite the high Euro.
| quote: | Smoking ban burns Windsor bingo parlours
Updated Mon. Jun. 26 2006 11:29 PM ET
Canadian Press
WINDSOR, Ont. -- Nearly a month into Ontario's smoking ban, Windsor bingo hall operators say many Michigan customers are staying home.
Business has dropped so much at some bingo parlours that owners are considering layoffs and at least one may close its doors, according to a report Monday in The Detroit News.
"We haven't laid anybody off yet, but we cut our work hours in half,'' said Candice Lagace, a bookkeeper at Paradise Bingo Hall.
"We're all struggling. It looks like layoffs are imminent.''
Bingo parlour operators predicted a drop in customers when Ontario enacted a ban on smoking in all public buildings on May 31.
No specific figures are available on just how many fewer Michigan customers are visiting the bingo halls, but owners contend it's a substantial number.
CBC Bingo Group has experienced a five-per-cent drop in overall business, but as much as 15 per cent at some facilities, said John Fairley, vice-president of marketing.
There have not been any layoffs yet, but Fairley said the company will evaluate the situation at the end of the month.
Windsor's bingo industry employs 400 workers at seven parlours and is worth an estimated $28 million a year.
Nearly half of Windsor's bingo customers are Americans.
Casino Windsor is also feeling the pinch.
"There are fewer people, but it's too early to assess how much of an impact,'' said Teresa Roncon, a spokeswoman for the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. in Toronto.
About 80 per cent of Casino Windsor's customers hail from across the border, she said.
Holly Ward, a Casino Windsor spokeswoman, said no workers have been laid off, but the situation will be assessed in a few weeks. |
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| quote: | Originally posted by jester
Everything in this country is illegal. |
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