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Smokefree Madison, Wisconsin Sees Increase in Bar Licenses

By Joseph W. Cherner  

Parts excerpted from the Capital Times, 2/17/06

When Madison (Wisconsin) implemented smokefree workplace legislation (including restaurants and bars) last July, opponents claimed (as usual) that many bars would go out of business. Of course, that hasn't happened. In fact, a total of 16 new Class B combination liquor licenses have been issued since the law took effect. That compares to 13 over the same six-month period in 2004. Madison has 339 establishments with liquor licenses.

"We've maintained all along this is a public health issue," said Gary Poulson, chair of the Tobacco Free Dane County Coalition. "The fact that there are a number of new licensees confirms my belief that the hospitality sector in this city continues to be vibrant and that Madison is an outstanding place to do business."

At the Shamrock Bar, manager Matthew Murrell said customers of the narrow, dimly lit tavern at 117 W. Main St. have generally adjusted to the rules. The bar changed ownership within the past year.

"We lost a few people initially, but a lot of the regulars have started to drift back in," he said.

The city of Appleton (Wisconsin), which also implemented clean indoor air legislation last July 1, has seen just one bar close. That is a five-year low in the number of bar closings, according to city officials there.

"I can't help but conclude Appleton's smoking ban hasn't had a negative effect on businesses," health officer Kurt Eggebrecht told the Appleton Post-Crescent. He said there are also six applications on the waiting list.

"It's great to see business go up in smokefree jurisdictions," says Joe Cherner, founder of BREATHE (Bar and Restaurant Employees Advocating Together for a Healthy Environment), "but the main reason for such legislation is to protect workers from cancer and heart disease."

To send a FREE letter in support of clean indoor air where YOU live, go to http://www.smokefree.net/alerts.php