"Everything’s Going Great in British Columbia???"

According to the WCB "everything is great in British Columbia" since the draconian smoking ban came into effect on January 1, 2000.

Well, the reality is, things couldn't get much worse. Here are the facts:

-Liquor sales were down by 11% in Jan/Feb 2000 compared with Jan/Feb 1999

-Draft Beer sales were down by 13% in Jan/Feb 2000 compared with Jan/Feb 1999

-This drop in liquor sales represents about $3 million

-716 layoffs have been reported to the Coalition of Hospitality Organizations as of March 17th

-Six businesses have closed, one in Castlegar, two in Dawson Creek, one in Prince Rupert, one in Hixon, and one in Vernon.

-The reduced payroll alone from the laid off workers is $15.53 million, that does not begin to mention economic spinoffs, or the dramatically reduced number of shifts for many workers

-Approximately 100 operators have pulled the Keno/Pull Tab provincial lottery machines from their businesses in protest, this represents millions of lost dollars to the BC treasury.

-Businesses are reporting drops from 15% - 85%, dependent upon the geography, the demographic makeup, and the type of establishment. Worst hit are northern and interior liquor establishments, and rural coffee shops.

-5,000 posters are being placed around the province to encourage patrons to call their MLA to complain.

-Over 3,000 employees faxed a letter to the WCB prior to the smoke ban which read "Don't do me any favours, we never asked for this regulation."

-Over 70,000 postcards were sent to the Premier's Office from workers and patrons saying "accept a ventilation solution"

-Over $750,000 (that we know of) has been spent by the Workers Compensation Board in propaganda against the hospitality industy.

-20 Municipalities (and rising) have written letters of support for the hospitality industry's ventilation solution.

According to a poll undertaken by Market Explorers in mid to late February:

64% of British Columbians believe the WCB has been heavy handed

79% believe ventilation solutions should be considered by the government

77% believe workers should be able to choose whether to work in a smoking or non-smoking section

62% believe owners should be able to choose whether smoking is allowed in their business

In addition, the hospitality industry has been forced to take the WCB to court in an expensive legal battle. The judgement is expected prior to April 4th.