More Ban Damage from Canada
August 25, 2006
Dave Hall, Windsor Star Many businesses for sale Windsor's hospitality business remains an industry in transition and, while the number of bars and restaurants listed for sale has decreased from 15 months ago, there's still a great deal of volatility in the marketplace, says the president of an industry association. Facing greater competition from across the border, a strong Canadian dollar, perceived delays at the border, skyrocketing liability insurance premiums and recently enacted no smoking legislation, many Windsor businesses are suffering from reduced clientele and the hospitality sector is no exception. "It's a sign of the economy in Windsor which is one of the toughest markets in our industry because it is based largely on disposable income," said Terry Mundell, president of the Ontario Restaurant, Hotel and Motel Association. "When you've got uncertainty in the auto industry keeping local people home and cross-border and exchange issues cutting into the tourism trade, it's a tough combination to beat," Mundell said. "We're at a point now where the profitability margins are so low they are not sustainable and people are trying to get out." At least a dozen businesses or the buildings which house them are for sale across the city, including taverns, cafes, night clubs and full service restaurants. Some of the listings include the property while others are for the business only. Last year, 30 bars and restaurants were listed with area agents. Though that number has been cut in half, many others have changed hands by word-of-mouth and others are available for the right price but not formally listed. John Fabos, who has owned Wolley Bulleys in the 100 block of Ouellette Avenue for 21 years, has had his business on the market for four months. "There hasn't been a single offer and it's because there are so many other places for sale," he said. "People are also beginning to realize how tough a business this is, especially now with the exchange rate, border issues and the no-smoking ban." For the past five years, Wolley Bulleys has operated as a smoking establishment which restricted clientele to those over 19. "We had regular customers who appreciated the fact we'd done that, but as soon as the smoking ban took effect, they all disappeared and I haven't seen them since," Fabos said. Fabos, now 68, also said employees in the DaimlerChrysler Canada headquarters haven't brought in as much business as he expected. He blames competition from The Keg and a Tim Hortons kiosk in the DCX building. Besides Wolley Bulleys, there are other businesses which have been listed for months or longer. Those listed a year ago which remain vacant include the Old Fish Market on Chatham Street and the Butcher and Banker Pub in Tecumseh. Others, including Pepper's Bar & Grill and Michael's Restaurant on Ouellette Avenue, have changed hands and remain open for business. The Ottawa Tavern, which was for sale last year, has recently reopened as Sports Bar and Grill. "You need a lot of volume to turn a dollar these days and it's difficult to do that when you've paid a high dollar for the business with lease rates for the building on top of that," Mundell said. Similar issues are also being faced by those who operate private clubs. Membership is dwindling largely because of an aging clientele and changing demographics. The Air Force Club on Marentette Road is available for lease and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 578 building on Drouillard Road is for sale. FOR SALE Local restaurants/bars for sale include the following: Parthenon $119,900 Fireman's Bar & Grill $149,900 Atrio $169,000 Raine's Cafe $259,000 includes 2nd floor apt Gustoso $299,000 Changez Nite Club $339,000 Koko Pellies $349,800 Ye Olde Grand Tavern $425,000 X-Treme Night Club $469,000 Wolley Bulleys $489,000 Angolo Blu Cafe $490,000 includes other property Faces on College $899,000 or $349,000 for business only The Junction $1.9 million includes other buildings Read
Clerks threatened in two early morning robberies -ON Jul 25, 2006 WHITBY -- Two men armed with a gun and a knife are believed to be responsible for two early-morning gas bar robberies Tuesday in Whitby, police say. Clerks had a gun pointed at them and were threatened with death during the robberies, which occurred about 20 minutes apart in the north end of town, Durham police said. Robbery investigators are seeking two suspects. The first robbery occurred around 2:10 a.m. at an Esso station on Winchester Road, police said. One of the suspects pointed a gun at the clerk and threatened to kill him as he grabbed cash, while an accomplice stole cigarettes, police said. As the clerk lay on the floor the thugs smashed his cellphone and disconnected a business phone before fleeing. Around 2:30 a.m. two men robbed the Petro Canada station at Brock and Taunton roads. Once again the clerk was threatened and ordered to lie on the floor while the thieves stole cash and cigarettes, then disconnected phones before leaving. The perpetrators in both incidents are young white men who wore bandanas over their faces. One wore a blue ball hat, a green sweatshirt and jeans. The other suspect wore a raincoat with a black hood, jeans and black running shoes. Anyone with information on the robberies is asked to call police at 905-579-1520, ext. 5360 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Read
Clerk stabbed -QC June 22, 2006 A Pointe aux Trembles gas station attendant was stabbed several times in the back by a robber last night. Police say the 41-year-old clerk at the station at Notre Dame St. E. and 54th St. had offered no resistance before the bandit attacked him, then demanded the contents of the cash register and cigarettes. Read
Smoking institution snuffed out Overzealous expansion, government restrictions led Davidoff to close after a quarter-century June 30, 2006
JASMIN LEGATOS, The Gazette Inside the doors of the Davidoff boutique on Sherbrooke St., the spicy and full aroma of pipe tobacco is immediately noticeable. There are few other places in Montreal where cigar enthusiasts can walk into a bedroom-sized humidor for their pick of high quality Cuban or Dominican specialties boutique, manager Vince Bourgoin said. But a quarter-century after David Cigars Corporation of Canada, an importer of tobacco products, began operating the store, it has decided to close. An overzealous expansion project, expensive rent, a decline in cigar smoking and government restrictions were some reasons Bourgoin gave for the closure. Despite his imminent unemployment, Bourgoin was nonetheless all smiles yesterday, during the store's last official day as a haven for cigar and pipe aficionados. "It's a sad thing, but having a long face isn't going to change anything," he said. While last month's smoking ban did not affect Davidoff, which has a well-ventilated, enclosed smoking room, an earlier prohibition on the sale of items bearing tobacco company insignia definitely cut into the bottom line, Bourgoin said. Scattered around Davidoff yesterday, there were pens, humidors and perfume boxes labelled with the luxury brand's moniker - all of which the boutique was no longer allowed to sell. - - - Yvon Bastien walked into the store yesterday. As one of Davidoff's regular customers, he and Bourgoin are on a first-name basis. Bastien entered the humidor, selected a cigar - he favours Dominicans - and joined four men already seated in the dark-wooded smoking room that was potent with fraternal camaraderie. While women were welcome, Bourgoin said, men were usually the ones occupying the smoking room's leather armchairs. Some of the men have been Davidoff patrons for seven years, others for 15. They came from all walks of life: artists, writers, government officials, businessmen, police chiefs and U.S. tourists in search of good quality Cuban cigars. "There are no social barriers," Bastien said. In the smoking room, you have the ability to leave the stress of the day-to-day job, said one of the cigar buddies who identified himself only as Peter "the Greek." Bourgoin said that over the years, many famous people visited the boutique. Robert De Niro would usually visit while in town and Steven Tyler from Aerosmith loved to buy expensive lighters, he said. But when someone walked into the smoking room at Davidoff, they got treated just like everyone else, Peter added. "There are lots of people that will be upset when the doors close," Bastien said. "It's the end of an era," lamented one of his cigar brethren who refused to be named. Tobacco Tax Offences Net Ajax Brothers $1 Million in Fines -ON Bought And Sold Almost 23.5 Million Cigarettes Worth More Than $7 Million TORONTO, June 15 /CNW/ - Two Ajax brothers - both previously convicted of tobacco tax offences - have been fined a total of $1 million following new convictions in a Whitby court. Anas and Ayman Elmansour pleaded guilty to four offences and were convicted June 1, 2006. Justice of the Peace Philip Solomon gave the brothers six months to pay their fines - $490,000 each for operating as an unlicensed wholesale dealer, plus $10,000 for transporting, storing or possessing cigars and other tobacco products found in the Elmansour residence during the search. They must also pay surcharges of $125,000 each to the Ontario Victims' Justice Fund. Solomon was told that an investigation by the ministry's Special Investigations Branch revealed that the Elmansours bought 23,491,000 cigarettes (117,450 cartons) between February 2003 and October 2004. Ministry investigators, assisted by the Durham Regional Police and the RCMP, executed a search warrant on October 15, 2004 at a Todd Road residence. Tobacco products and business records were seized, and charges were laid in 2005. Both were convicted previously in Brantford - Anas Elmansour in 2005 of charges related to the seizure of 1,357 cartons of cigarettes and 17,200 cigars from his vehicle, and Ayman on charges arising from 2,360 cartons of cigarettes seized from his vehicle in February 2002 and January 2003. "Enforcement of the Tobacco Tax Act - and the type of convictions we see here - support the Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy," said Peter Deschamps, Director of the Special Investigations Branch. "Removing contraband tobacco from the Ontario marketplace and prosecuting major dealers who operate in the underground economy is a top priority." Recent amendments to the Tobacco Tax Act provide new powers of inspection and seizure, new offence provisions, increased fines and civil penalties, and provisions that permit broader sharing of investigative information with police forces and other federal and provincial agencies that enforce tobacco-related laws. Read
Bar owners affected by smoking ban June 16, 2006
Jeff Helsdon The smoke has cleared and most Tillsonburg bar owners aren’t happy. In one form or another, nearly all reported a loss in sales since the Smoke-Free Ontario legislation banned smoking in bars and all public places on May 31. Dan Efstatheu, owner of Mad Trapper’s, has noticed a huge drop in business since the ban came in place. This ranges from fewer business people coming in for lunch and a cigarette to patronage during his Thursday night wing night. The most significant drop was on weekends. Efstatheu said Tillsonburg has a smaller population than cities that may have previously had smoking bans. His customer base is smaller and there aren’t as many non-smokers to fill the void left by smokers. The local bar owner was furious when he heard from his customers smoking was still allowed in some casinos on native reserves. “It’s OK for them to make their money, but not OK for us as small independent business people to make our money,” he said. Jim Tsanoff, owner of the Royal Tavern, also said business has declined quite a bit since the Smoke-Free Ontario legislation took effect on May 31. “We have the same amount of people coming, they’re just not staying,” he said. “They come in for one, not three or four.”
Although an initial drop in business was expected, Tsanoff isn’t sure if it will bounce back. Tsanoff wonders if the combined effect of no smoking in bars, rising costs of fuel, electricity and other commodities is the reason he is taking such a hit. Talking to salesmen, he is hearing London bars are going through the same thing and there has been no smoking there for some time due to city bylaws. “People only have so much disposable income,” Tsanoff said. “With our wonderful government taking as much as they are, I just wonder if it’s not everything put together - the smoking and less disposable income.” Tsanoff has owned the Royal since 1981 and went through one recession in the early 1990s. He didn’t see a drop in business then, and ironically, said tobacco production was the reason Tillsonburg wasn’t hit as hard in the last economic slowdown. “We were just about recession-proof then because of the tobacco,” he said. Doris Weiler, co-owner of the Copper Mug, said sales were down slightly, especially on Saturday nights. A similar drop wasn’t experienced last year. She pinned the overall decline in business on bar sales sliding – the people who came in to have a drink and cigarette. Part of that is being made up by increased food sales. “We’re getting new people in trying us with the non-smoking atmosphere because the smoke bothered them while they were eating,” Weiler said. A similar story was heard at the local Legion branch. Bar steward Pat Miller said people who typically came in two to three times per week are only showing up once a week, if at all. Asked if any new patrons were coming in because the Legion was non-smoking, Miller answered, “Not one, just like we knew it would be.” Not all was doom and gloom, however. Ron Rohrer of Roho’s said the only change he’s noticed is dirty sidewalks from smokers being forced outside. “We haven’t seen any change, we’ve been lucky,” he said, adding even the oldtimers adapted well during the day.
Kelsey’s has the best of both worlds – the non-smoking environment for diners and a patio for smokers. General manager Tom Schott said the restaurant has seen a slight increase in business but a more drastic hike has been seen in patios sales. “We found we’re getting some new faces who may not have come in before with smoking,” he said. Sharon Sabourin, tobacco control officer with the Oxford County Board of Health, said there have been no charges in connection with the new act, but a number of cautions were issued across the county, including Tillsonburg.
“People are very co-operative,” Weiler said. “They’re not putting up much fuss. They’re going outside, having their cigarette and coming back in.” Bingo events are another place known to be a haven for smokers. The Tillsonburg Lions host Monday night bingo at the Lion’s Auditorium and allowed smoking until it was banned. Lion John Newton said 154 players showed up this week, which is average. The week before, the club offered a double jackpot and had 192 people. “We don’t expect it to be down at all,” Newton said. “If anything, we expect to gain some members.” Local variety store owners were also affected by the new legislation. All cigarettes needed to be taken out of view and advertising removed. “It took me two days to do everything I had to do,” said Marcel Rosehart of Chrissy’s Variety Store.
He has already noticed a drop in business, but said, “I lose more to the reserve than the new law.” “It’s OK for them (native casinos) to make their money, but not OK for us as small independent business people to make our money.” -- Dan Efstatheu Read
Tobacco smuggling on the rise: RCMP -NL Jun 16 2006 Police in Newfoundland and Labrador say smugglers are increasingly turning to an old standby: tobacco. Police have confiscated more than 3,000 bags and 400 cartons of tobacco over the last year. More than 600 bags have been seized in the St. John's neighbourhood of Kilbride this week alone. RCMP have 71 investigations underway at the moment, said Sgt. Pete McKay, who said the sale of cheap, illegal tobacco is not a victimless crime. "Our concern is when people are purchasing this they don't realize they're supporting organized crime, they're affecting the revenue base for the government and not to mention the potential hazard of using an untested product," McKay said. Some of the tobacco seized recently has had insects in it, and some samples were mouldy, McKay said. A bag of contraband tobacco sells for about $40, and is enough to make enough cigarettes to fill a carton, which would retail for between $85 and $100. The fine for possessing a bag of contraband tobacco is more than $300. Gambo resident Thomas Herber was fined $15,000 in January for contraband. McKay said most of the tobacco originates from Ontario and Quebec. Read
War vet injured in tussle 2006-06-10
By SHAWN LOGAN, CALGARY SUN Brain-injured patient claims security guards attacked him A war vet claims he was wrestled to the ground yesterday and cuffed by hospital security staff in a dispute over a cigarette. Foothills hospital brass are investigating Marcel Charpentier's claim security guards over-reacted. The 56-year-old brain- injured Vietnam veteran, who has been at the Foothills' neurological unit since he went into a diabetic coma three months ago, still bears the wounds from his scuffle with security personnel. Forced to use a wheeled walker since his brain injury, Charpentier, who has smoked most of his life, lit up behind a concrete barrier near the hospital parking lot despite rules that ban smoking on the property. The former 101st Airborne soldier said a disagreement with one guard, who asked him to put out his cigarette, escalated into a rough takedown in which four or five security personnel threw him to the ground and cuffed him. "I probably said some pretty nasty things, but I don't know if that gives him the right to take me down like a hardened criminal." After putting out his cigarette, Charpentier admits he ran his walker into the leg of a guard, evoking what he said was a fierce over-reaction. Charpentier said the guard began talking to him in a threatening manner and he felt intimidated and kicked him in the leg. "He was coming after me and I had to try and defend myself," he said. After a radioed call for help, four or five security officers wrestled Charpentier to the wet pavement, breaking his glasses and opening a gash in his forehead. Security personnel declined to comment. CHR spokesman Don Stewart said the region is taking the allegations seriously. "It's something that's obviously unfortunate," said Stewart. "It's certainly going to be looked at administratively and there's an issue of obviously determining the facts." Read
He's Fumin' Mad
West Town owner does slow burn as butt ban kills $180,000 smoking room By Naomi Powell
The Hamilton Spectator(May 31, 2006) When the clock struck midnight, the smoke vanished from Joe Stanicak's Hamilton eatery. He's not thrilled about it. Just four years ago, the owner of the West Town Bar & Grill spent $180,000 on a designated smoking room in order to comply with Hamilton's smoking bylaw. Under the city bylaw, Stanicak was supposed to be able to use the room for puffing patrons until June 2008. But at 12:01 a.m. today, a sweeping provincewide ban on smoking in enclosed public places took effect -- and Stanicak's smoking room was outlawed. "We have been wronged," Stanicak said yesterday. "It was an agreement we had with the city and we spent money in good faith." The new provincial law will supercede local anti-smoking bylaws already in place in most municipalities. It bans designated smoking rooms and smoking on patios that have a roof, even if it only partially covers customers. The laws also prevent convenience stores and other tobacco vendors from displaying cigarettes on store countertops. Colourful signs advertising cigarettes are to be replaced with black and white signs that are limited in size. "It's important to have one common approach in the province, not a series of patchwork bylaws," said Dr. Bill Evans, president of the Juravinski Cancer Centre at Hamilton Health Sciences. "We want citizens to get equitable treatment in terms of their right to a smoke-free workplace." For Hamilton restaurants and bars featuring designated smoking rooms or other smoking areas, the new rules aren't exactly welcome -- especially since lighting up is still permitted on open-air patios. "We were under the impression that it would be a completely level playing field with no smoking in any establishment," said Ray Paquette, owner of Ray's Place on Dundurn Street South. "This isn't fair." Paquette, who spent $25,000 to build a patio with a roof for his smoking customers, is now debating whether to dismantle it or watch his smoking customers migrate to another establishment with a roofless patio. "This may just throw all of my revenue off base," he said. While he sympathizes with Hamilton's restaurateurs, Kevin McDonald, manager of the Tobacco Control Program at Hamilton Public Health, says the new laws shouldn't have come as a surprise. Staff in Hamilton's public health services have always "verbally advised" restaurant owners that a provincial decision could override Hamilton bylaws, he said. "You have to be aware," he added. "Like any business decision made, they do it with due diligence and caution." Still, business owners like Saeid Targhi, owner of Stoney Creek's Metropolis Restaurant and Nightclub, say the least the province can do is offer business owners some compensation. "What part of this is fair?" Targhi said yesterday. "They're driving business away from my establishment to establishments with patios." The province plans to inspect 6,000 bars and restaurants by the end of summer, but establishments that don't comply will get off with a warning for a first offence. "The simple reality is the vast majority of people are non-smokers now," Evans said. "It's a peculiar few places that cater to smokers and I don't think the people of Hamilton should be denied clean air because of a few vocal folks." Less has been said about the new laws for cigarette vendors, which are being met with equal frustration. Sellers are no longer allowed to display cigarette cartons and in two years, even single packages will have to be concealed from public view. The common convenience store "power wall" of cigarettes behind the cash register will have to be hidden behind a curtain or cupboard doors. "Probably 60 to 70 per cent of our sales are cigarettes," said Rami Redi, spokesperson for the Big Bee convenience store chain that has 51 locations in Ontario. "We're strong, we're a big chain, but a lot of mom and pop stores will have to shut down." May 19, 2006
By SAGAL ALI, TORONTO SUN 'Just can't afford' to continue: Owner The taps at a popular Toronto bar are about to run dry because of a new smoking bylaw which takes effect in less than two weeks. On May 31, the province will implement its Smoke-Free Ontario Act which outlaws all smoking in enclosed public places. It includes designated smoking rooms and covered patios -- a lifeline for many pubs. "With the loss of business we anticipate because of the bylaw and the renovations we would have to do to take (the smoke room) out, we just can't afford it," said John McKillop, owner of Elsewhere Bar & Grill on Yonge St. at Eglinton Ave. "We're going to have to close." The pub, which has been open for 29 years, was forced to build a room for its smoking customers in 2004 when the city outlawed lighting up in bars and restaurants. "We spent $35,000 on a room that they told us to make, and now we have to take them out again." It's a move, he said, he's not ready to make. The bar is scheduled to close in August. The province, however, insists that the bylaw is in everyone's best interest. "Smoking rooms don't work -- smoke leaks out and the staff has to clean the rooms afterwards. They're exposed to second-hand smoke daily," said Julie Rosenberg, spokesman for the Ontario ministry of health promotion. "The legislation is to protect the health of patrons and wait staff." While businesses may see a loss in revenue at first, she said, there will likely be little long-term consequences for most. "Other cities, like Ottawa, have similar bylaws and have done it successfully," she said. The government hopes the new rule will encourage non-smokers to go out to bars more frequently and replace any lost patronage. "We're really hopeful that the 80% of Ontarians that don't smoke find (bars) a more attractive choice," Rosenberg said. Elsewhere Bar & Grill, however, doesn't have the time to wait and see. Some of its long-time customers are furious their favourite bar is about to close. "We live in a democratic society in which we have choices. If people don't want to smoke, they don't have to. If they don't want to inhale second-hand smoke, don't come in the (smoking) room," said George Lewis, a five-year patron. "There's no rationale to it." Lewis, 50, and several other regulars visit the bar almost daily, spending up to $1,000 a week combined -- money they won't be taking to another bar. "I'm just going to stay home. Drink and smoke there," said Mike Shea. "I don't think (the government) realizes the repercussions this will cause until all the bars close." Read
Hotel fined after flouting smoking ban May 14, 2006 Charges stayed against P.A. hotelier A southeastern Saskatchewan hotel pleaded guilty this week to charges laid last year under the province's tobacco control legislation, while a hotel owner in Prince Albert saw charges against his establishment stayed by the Crown. Read
$30,000 worth of cigarettes stolen
Apr 19, 2006
Halton Regional Police are seeking the public's help in solving a break-in where $30,000 worth of cigarettes were stolen.
The theft occurred at Fortinos Supermarket at 1059 Plains Rd. E. last week (April 10) just before 4:30 a.m.
Police say a glass door was smashed at the supermarket's smoke shop, then an open bed, dark coloured pickup truck was backed up to the door and loaded with cigarettes.
Surveillance footage shows the male driver wearing a black baseball cap, jacket and pants.
The passenger wore a black balaclava and a lumber jacket with a dark 'hoodie' underneath.
Anyone with information is advised to call Crime Stoppers of Halton at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477) or visit the website at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com.
Those providing tips are not required to give their name or testify in court. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display. Read
Cigarettes stolen in gas station robbery -SK
The StarPhoenix
April 18, 2006
A small number of cigarettes were stolen early Tuesday from the Railway Gas and Convenience Store on Avenue B during a robbery, Saskatoon police said.
Police responded to the store in the 200 block of Avenue B North at about 12:40 a.m. Tuesday. A male, wearing a black balaclava and armed with a wooden club, had entered the store and threatened the female clerk.
The suspect made off with the cigarettes. No one was injured, police said.
He is described as a 19-year-old, 5-foot-9 white male, with a thin build.
No arrests have been made. The investigation continues.
Police stun gun ends standoff at Tim Hortons -ON
The Record CAMBRIDGE (Mar 6, 2006)
Police used a stun gun on a Hamilton man who lit up a cigarette in a Tim Hortons and refused to leave.
The man entered the Water Street restaurant at about 8 p.m. Friday and began smoking, Waterloo regional police said.
Restaurant staff called police after the man became belligerent and refused requests to leave, police said. He became aggressive when police tried to arrest him so they subdued him with a Taser gun.
The 54-year-old man faces charges of trespassing, causing a disturbance and resisting arrest.
McGuinty Government's addiction to Anti-smoking lobby will result in Smuggling, Job and Business Losses, Tax hikes and drastic Revenue Shortfalls
TORONTO, March 3 /CNW/ - It will be more bad news for Ontario later today as the McGuinty government releases regulations to accompany their assault on Ontario's hospitality industry, the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (Bill 164). Unfortunately, despite inevitable job losses, business closures and lost gaming revenue the Government continues to turn its back on small business by refusing to include the option of separate, ventilated smoking rooms for adult-only establishments.
Recent media reports project an increase in smuggling, loss of hundreds of millions in charitable gaming revenues and business closures linked to the implementation of Bill 164. With today's announcement of regulations to accompany Bill 164, "the McGuinty government has clearly demonstrated that they are puppets of the anti-smoking lobby," said Karen Bodirsky, CEO of the Fair Air Association of Canada (FAAC).
While the FAAC understands the objective behind Bill 164 is one of health, the FAAC's concern has always been the needless economic harm imposed by a blanket smoking ban.
The peer reviewed Evans Report released last year found that between 2000 and 2003, smoking bans cut bar and pub sales by 23.5% in Ottawa, 18.7% in London, 24.3% in Kingston and 20.4% in Kitchener. Bans have cost those municipalities and their local economies some $60 million.
To make matters worse, the report's author, Dr. Michael Evans, found that a full province wide ban has the potential to eliminate 50,000 jobs and $1 billion in revenue. The economic impact study proves irrefutably that full smoking bans in bars and pubs will dramatically affect the province's hospitality industry, a sector that employs over 491,000 people.
Professor Evans concludes "Government data clearly demonstrates smoking bans materially reduce sales in bars and nightclubs. To suggest that smoking bans don't have a dramatic negative impact on bar sales would be an opinion - not fact".
In addition, a study commissioned by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development was recently obtained under a Freedom of Information request and concluded that Ontario may lose as much as $500 million a year by implementing a smoking ban in casinos because it will drive some smokers to U.S. gambling halls.
"We believe that adults should be free to exercise their choice to smoke as long as there are separate, properly ventilated rooms," said Bodirsky. "The anti-smoking movement does not want the public to know that ventilation is an effective barrier to environmental tobacco smoke and the McGuinty government has bought into their rhetoric," she added.
The Fair Air Association of Canada (FAAC) is a diverse group of organizations, businesses and individuals committed to the promotion of sound ventilation science and support of the hospitality industry. Find out more about the FAAC and ventilation solutions at http://www.faac.ca/. Read
Mac's clerk stabbed after requesting ID -MB
Friday, January 13th, 2006
ALL Sadaqat Sayeed did was ask a customer for ID so he could sell him cigarettes, but instead the customer stabbed him in the left arm and shoulder and robbed him.
"I was just trying to do my job," said the 25-year-old Mac's store clerk, an immigrant from Afghanistan. "I didn't bother anybody."
Early yesterday, police arrested a suspect in the Dec. 19 incident and charged him with attempted murder.
Sayeed, who has worked at the Selkirk Avenue and McGregor Street Mac's for nine months, said he was only following store policy when he asked the customer for ID. By law, only people over 18 can buy tobacco products in Manitoba.
Patrol Sgt. Kelly Dennison said the customer was refused service but returned a few minutes later. A confrontation followed and Sayeed was stabbed.
Sayeed said he pushed the man into the coffee kiosk, ran into the back office, locked the door and called police. The attacker then allegedly stole cigarettes and cash.
Sayeed said he was off work for three days and is slowly getting full use of his arm back.
Clayton Joshua Passage is charged with attempted murder and robbery with a weapon. Dennison said police investigating another matter encountered the accused early yesterday.
Here's to Happy Joe's -MB
By TREVOR GREYEYES, FOR THE SUN Thu, January 12, 2006
Popular eatery dished out fond memories for many
For the gathering of Happy Joe's patrons, the closing of their favourite restaurant was like saying goodbye to an old friend for the last time.
A group of former regulars -- Emma, Marty, George, Winnie, Slim and a few others -- gathered in Tyndall Market Mall by Wayne Slobodian's latest venture, Happy Joe's Lottery Kiosk, to pay tribute to their old haunt and the people who worked there.
Happy Joe's Restaurant, which closed Dec. 31, was one of the first tenants in the mall located on the southeast side of Burrows Avenue and Keewatin Street.
"There was nothing here. There was no McDonald's down the street, Sobeys, A&W or even a Kinver Avenue," said Slobodian, owner/operator of Happy Joe's.
Slobodian purchased the restaurant from a friend named Joe and since everyone knew it as Happy Joe's, he decided to keep the name. Slobodian had customers from the Island Lakes community in northeastern Manitoba who would drop by whenever they were in town and they always called him Joe.
In an era of large fast food corporations, Happy Joe's survived for many years by serving homemade fries, burgers and chili with good old-fashioned customer service.
"Where else can you get this kind of ambiance?" Marty asked.
Slobodian smiled and added, "I always tried to get my two cents in every time someone from the Winnipeg Sun was buying lottery tickets. It never made the paper but I tried."
Whenever one of the group didn't show up, the others would wonder what happened to the missing regular.
Slobodian said there were some regulars who passed away over the years like Anne, who was good friends with Emma. They seemed to be inseparable.
Slobodian said he decided to close up after business slowed down with the smoking ban and it seemed harder to do the job as he grew older.
For Slim, the smoking ban has been particularly hard to take. He said when smoking was allowed the restaurant would take all the ashtrays off the table at 3 p.m. when children were getting out of school.
As people were talking outside the booth, Slobodian introduced his wife Geri, whom he described as the heart of Happy Joe's from the beginning.
Geri said they've had a lot of good customers and employees over the years. One of the girls working at the kiosk has been with Geri since the opening of Happy Joe's restaurant.
So much for promises smoking ban wouldn't hurt economy
To the Editor:
Regarding article “Smoking ban taking its toll on bingo halls and charities”
The president of Action on Smoking and Health said in January, five provinces and territories have already brought in universal smoking bans. The only industry that is affected by smoking bans is the tobacco industry.
All of the evidence from areas already subject to smoking bans proves that there is actual damage to the economy and now, we’re seeing the proof in Edmonton.
The damage is widespread and negatively affects jobs and people in many different walks of life. Yet the extremists who want the bans say there is no economic damage. Where is the funding coming from to replace all the money they have lost due to smoking bans? Now what’s the government going to do since they were the ones that made a thriving fundraiser disappear? Why is the government relying on these extremists, and ignoring the voices of affected groups?
I think we should hold government and these “health groups” responsible, since we are now seeing that their truths in fact nothing more than a sales pitch for their agenda. They ignored charity billboards, warning of this damage in Edmonton.
Linda Duguay
Canada Regional Director
The Smoker's Club. Inc.
Charities shouldn’t have to rely on bingo smokers To the Editor: A young child is unable to participate in an invigorating game of hockey because a smoker isn’t playing bingo! What kind of society are we living in when the survival of a charitable organization depends on people harming their health. (“Smoking ban taking its toll on bingo halls and charities” Examiner, Dec. 14). Governments receive massive amounts of tax dollars from the sale of tobacco products and from the various gambling institutions. A greater portion of those dollars should be used to help organizations that help others. If all charitable groups were to close and the government had to provide the service, the cost to taxpayers would be unbelievable. Anna Branch Read
Store employee punched in robbery
December 12, 2005
A man was treated for a cut to the face after three men held up a Dartmouth business Saturday night. The trio entered a store in the 200 block of Wyse Road at about 10 p.m. and demanded cash. They did not appear to be armed.
Before the male employee could respond, one of the suspects punched him in the face.
They fled on foot with a small amount of money. The employee was treated at hospital. Police are asking anyone with information to contact them immediately.
Thief gets cash, smokes, lotto tickets
A man escaped with money, cigarettes and lottery tickets after robbing a Dartmouth convenience store Sunday.
The man, described as in his late 20s, entered the Needs in the 100 block of Victoria Road at about 7:30 a.m. He told the lone employee he had a weapon, although none was seen.
The employee handed over the items and the suspect escaped on foot. No one was injured.
They are looking for a man who's about five-foot-10 with a medium build. He was wearing a blue Nike sweatshirt, jeans and a red baseball cap.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
Man fined for illegal smokes -PE
CBC News Last updated Dec 8 2005 03:22 PM AST
A 54-year-old Charlottetown has been fined in connection with a police seizure of contraband tobacco.
Police seized cigarettes and bulk tobacco in November in two separate raids. It had a street value of $10,000.
On Thursday, one of the men involved in the case, Robert Wayne Wagner of Charlottetown, pleaded guilty and was fined $750.
The second man charged in the case, 38-year-old William Bertram Amey of Murray Harbour, has had his case put off for two weeks.
Police said most of the tobacco was sold in plastic bags outside of bars in the Charlottetown area. They went for around 30 per cent of what smokers pay for legal tobacco products.
Not paying attention -AB
Wed, December 7, 2005
Three men suspected of robbing a convenience store over the weekend didn't see the marked police cruiser parked across the street until it was too late.
The robbery, at a store at 122 Avenue and 97 Street around 2:30 a.m. Saturday, happened in plain view of two officers.
According to police, one of the suspects, who wore a mask and was armed with a prybar, entered the store while the other two waited in their car.
The man made off with cigarettes before running back to the car.
Officers stopped the car as it attempted to pull out of the parking lot.
Lee Joseph Letendre, 24, has been charged with robbery and obstruction.
Jason Warren Brown, 30, has been charged with robbery.
Shane Edward Howarth, 38, has been charged with robbery, possession of a weapon and being masked during while committing an offence.
Subject: Story - Winnipeg Free Press - Nov 27/05
Date: Sun, 27 Nov 2005 09:08:09 -0600
Drugmarts held up for cigarettes
Three Pharma Plus Drugmart pharmacies were broken into early Saturday morning and cigarettes were stolen. Between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m., the Pharma Plus pharmacies at 2271 Pembina Highway, 1631 St. Mary's Road, and 3051 Ness Ave. were broken into. Police ask anyone with information to call 986-6222.
Police Briefs: Cigarette thieves sought -BC
Hope Standard Nov 17 2005
Police are on the lookout for two suspects in a early morning break-in at Cooper's Foods, Sunday, (Nov. 13.) Video tape of the suspects is being reviewed by police, after the front doors of the grocery store were smashed in with an axe. The two suspects, wearing black hooded jackets, then used the axe to smash the glass cigarette case. Despite the alarm they escaped with an undisclosed amount of cigarettes. If anyone has any information on the incident call police at 604-869-7750 or CrimeStoppers at 604-869-TIPS.
Smokes, burglary tools on mysterious suspect -ON
By Times-Journal Staff Wednesday November 09, 2005
Elgin OPP have a bit of a mystery on their hands.
Ingredients include a man in custody who won't say who he is nor what he was up to with burglary tools when he was arrested with $40,000 worth of American cigarettes early Tuesday.
"There's something going on here," Const. Dennis Harwood says. "We're just not yet sure what."
OPP nabbed the man after a patrolling officer checked a van about 3:30 a.m. Tuesday morning at the Southwold post office and discovered its occupant, the burglary tools and 28 cases of American smokes.
"He's given us lots of IDs -- that turned out to be false," Harwood said.
The plates on the van haven't yielded any clues, either. Their registration is fake.
"We don't think he's from around here," Harwood said. "We think he's from Eastern Canada; he has a bit of an accent."
The cigarettes have been turned over to the RCMP who are investigating their origin; the OPP investigation also is continuing.
The man is charged with possession of burglary tools.
Smoking ban blamed for job losses
Neil Scott
Saskatchewan News Network; Regina Leader-Post
October 8, 2005
REGINA -- Saskatchewan's 17-month employment growth winning streak went up in smoke last month, partly because of job losses linked to a smoking ban in bars.
The job losses were tabulated in data released Friday by Statistics Canada that show the total number of people employed Saskatchewan declined by 3,300, to 479,700 last month from 483,000 in September.
In another comparison, 12,500 fewer people were employed last month compared to August of this year.
Labour Minister Deb Higgins said the job decline was a "glitch," coming in the aftermath of a 17-month period in which employment had consistently increased on a year-over-year comparison.
"This decline may be as a result of the smoking ban in drinking establishments," Higgins said.
But Higgins said she is confi dent employment in bars and in the accommodation and food industry will stabilize as customers become more accustomed to the ban on smoking, introduced earlier this year.
The ban on smoking in bars "has been very popular" with the public, Higgins told reporters.
Data released Friday indicate there were 27,200 people employed in the accommodation and food services industries which includes bars) last month, down 4,600 compared to September last year.
What that means is that Saskatchewan would have had a 1,300 overall increase in jobs last month (compared to September 2004) if it had not been for the job losses in those industries.
That sector was not the only one suffering losses, as jobs in the "trade" and in the "fi nance, insurance, real estate and leasing sectors" also dropped.
But Higgins noted that jobs were up in several other key sectors including manufacturing, construction, transportation, agriculture, resources and public administration. The overall decrease in jobs "is obviously disappointing to us," Higgins said.
But the September numbers "are solid, paling only by comparison to last year's record employment in September," Higgins added.
Opposition Saskatchewan Party MLA Lyle Stewart said the job statistics provide further evidence the province is going in the wrong direction under the NDP government.
"It's time for the NDP to admit that they are poisoning the business climate and driving people, jobs and opportunities out of the province," Stewart said.
A new approach that would involve lowering taxes, reducing government involvement in the economy and creating a more investment-friendly atmosphere is needed, Stewart said.
Stewart stopped short of calling for a repeal of the legislation that banned smoking in bars.
"I'm not saying that they (the government) should back off completely," Stewart said, adding there may be some possibility for modifi cations to accommodate bar owners as well as customers who like to smoke.
Mary Ann McFadyen, executive director of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, said there is no question the smoking law has created problems, particularly for bars and hotels in rural areas.
Higgins is only partially correct in claiming that the job numbers in Saskatchewan have been positive for 17 consecutive months prior to last month, MaFadyen said.
It's true that job numbers have been increasing, she said. But the slow job growth in Saskatchewan compared to nearby provinces is a concern, she said.
Hotels and bars suffering -SK
Veronica Rhodes The Leader-Post Friday, September 30, 2005
Restaurant business in Saskatchewan is booming while tavern sales are tumbling, according to newly released data from Statistics Canada.
A report on the total sales for restaurants, caterers and taverns, released Thursday, showed a 1.5 per cent decrease in Saskatchewan industry sales in July 2005 compared to July 2004.
Total sales went from $81.7 million down to $80.5 million.
Full-service restaurants saw a big increase during the same time period, with $36.9 million in sales in July 2004 jumping to $40.4 million the following year. Conversely, sales for drinking places took a dive from $7.5 million in July 2004 down to $4.5 million a year later.
"They're verifying that the situation in bars or taverns in Saskatchewan is worse than we figured it is," said Tom Mullin, president and CEO of the Hotels Association of Saskatchewan.
The association has been vocal in opposing the province's ban on smoking in all enclosed public places, which came into effect Jan. 1. Mullin has often stated the ban has had a crippling effect on bars in Saskatchewan, mostly in rural areas.
Donna Pasiechnik, tobacco control co-ordinator for the provincial division of the Canadian Cancer Society, said it is too early to determine if the smoking ban directly affected taverns' sales.
At the time data collection for the report ended in July 2005, the ban had only been in place seven months. Based on the effect similar smoking bans have had on other jurisdictions, Pasiechnik said a decrease in sales was expected initially but it should come back over time.
However, she wasn't surprised to see restaurant sales go up.
"We knew for a long time prior to the smoking ban that it was coming. I think that businesses that embraced the smoking ban and got ready for it and marketed to 80 per cent of us who don't smoke are probably doing better than those who fought it tooth and nail months into it," said Pasiechnik.
Mullin said restaurants were never expected to be financially hurt by the ban.
"We never spoke on behalf of full-service restaurants. It was basically the smoking issue was going to effect the drinking establishments and the licensed lounges," said Mullin.
Data for the report was taken from a sample size and the presented sales numbers are estimates. The report notes that the amount of sales for drinking places in Saskatchewan for July 2004 should be used with caution because the quality of data used for the estimate was not ideal.
The hotels association filed a lawsuit against the provincial government earlier this year alleging the provincial smoking ban violated its members' equality rights under Section 15 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, because First Nations-run casinos do not comply with the legislation. The lawsuit was dismissed in August.
Mullin said the organization is still pushing the provincial government to meet with it to discuss changes to the ban.
Smoking ban burns clubs -AB
Vernon Clement Jones The Edmonton Journal Sunday, September 18, 2005
Bingo parlour dropoff cuts into fundraising for charities, athletics
EDMONTON -- Last year bingo brought in $91,000 for the Association of Evergreen Youth.
"It's huge for us," says Alice Hobbins, executive director of the not-for-profit organization.
"At least it was huge."
So far this year, Hobbins' organization has taken in slightly more than $30,000 from its bingo nights. She blames the drop, in part, on Edmonton's smoking ban, which took effect on July 1, 2005.
She is not alone.
While the bylaw has lifted the blue cloud of cigarette smoke hanging in the city's bingo halls, it has lowered the takings of the civic organizations and charities using them to raise money.
Edmonton's 15 parlours are reporting drops in attendance from 10 to 40 per cent.
"City councillors didn't listen to us then and I doubt they will listen to us now, but we have got to voice our concerns," she says.
Like other clubs, Evergreen -- devoted to providing after-school programs to youths -- sends out a team of volunteers to work bingo events each month. Those workers spend two to five hours handing out cards and attending to patrons, all eager to yell "bingo!"
The clubs then share the profits each month, after deductions for prize money and hall expenses.
Last week, Hobbins joined officials from other civic clubs in a letter-writing campaign to the mayor and council, calling for an end to the smoking ban, at least in bingo halls.
Action couldn't come soon enough, says one volunteer who has seen profits for all three of the organizations she works decline. But the ban has brought positive change as well, says Melissa Webb, 24.
Before, "if you were working and walking around the hall, you felt like you had smoked a thousand cigarettes," she says, while volunteering at Parkway Bingo. "It's now easier to get volunteers to come out. The air is fine now."
There are about 120 playing and paying customers out for Parkway's afternoon event. That's only about 20 to 30 fewer than would likely have come before the smoking ban, bingo manager Susan Moore says.
"But when you lose 20 people in attendance you lose an awful lot more in profits," she says, pointing to the multiple cards most players purchase.
Edmonton halls also lose money when those patrons go for cigarette breaks.
"When they're outside that means they're not inside buying Bonanza and satellite cards -- money that goes to the charities," she says.
But that may be the least of Moore's worries. Bingo halls in neighbouring Spruce Grove and Wetaskiwin still allow smoking. In fact, they have been smokier than ever since the change in Edmonton.
"Our increase is about a 23-per-cent increase since the ban," says John Wanless, manager of Spruce Grove Bingo, pointing to a growing number of players from Edmonton. "Travelling the 20 minutes to Spruce Grove is no worse than driving 20 minutes to a hall in Edmonton.
"When the cold weather hits and going outside for a cigarette break at an Edmonton bingo hall becomes even less
attractive, we will probably go up more."
About 37 non-profit clubs share profits at Wanless's bingo parlour. Those groups, ranging from Spruce Grove
Minor Hockey to the community's Kinsmen centre, have seen a 40-per-cent increase in their monthly takes since the ban took effect.
The hall isn't looking to take on any more charities. Even if it were, he said Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission rules prevent him from considering clubs from the city of Edmonton.
"From a compassionate point of view, it's a shame that our gain is at the expense of other bingo halls," he said.
Local bingo parlours are likely experiencing temporary pain, says Doug Baker, a regional services director for the Canadian Cancer Society. "Within a year, revenue levels will likely be back to where they were before the smoking ban."
He points to studies in other Canadian cities that have stamped out smoking in public places.
"We have to look beyond the short-term losses of charities to the long-term health of Albertans, especially those working in bingo halls," he says.
As a charity, the Cancer Society does not use bingo halls as a vehicle for raising cash, but relies on a diversified fundraising strategy. It's an approach other charities will have to adopt, says one bingo volunteer.
"They have to be more creative to keep the customers if they want to keep on making it," Hector Labbe says, outside an east-end hall. A cigarette dangles from his mouth.
"I'm not sure they were making it before."
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Mounties probing 'unexpected' death of hospital patient while outside smoking-BC
Darah Hansen Vancouver Sun Saturday, September 17, 2005
SURREY - A police investigation has been launched into the death of a Surrey Memorial Hospital patient after the body of a man in his 50s was discovered Friday afternoon in the smoking area outside the Shirley Dean Pavilion.
Authorities are saying little about how the man died, though Don Bower, Fraser Health Authority spokesman, confirmed two people were involved. He said there were no witnesses to what happened.
Bower referred to the man's death as "unexpected."
He said both the victim and the second man were patients in the hospital's extended care facility, but refused to identify either man, citing privacy act regulations.
No charges have been laid in the matter. It remains under investigation by Surrey RCMP and the B.C. Coroners' Office.
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Groups making alternative plans for bingo hall closure Sept. 28 -ON
Published in Section A, page 3 in the Friday, September 16, 2005
By DEREK ABMA Staff Writer
Organizations that have been using Johnstown's Bingo International to raise money are making alternative plans in light of the facility's pending closure after September 28.
The South Grenville Minor Hockey Association was making about $23,000 a year from holding events at Bingo International, said association president Mike Spencer.
Spencer said parents had already paid their $250 registration fee for the coming season, plus a $50 deposit that would have been returned if the parent worked two bingo sessions over the year.
He said that deposit is now non-refundable, essentially increasing the overall fee to $300. Spencer said he does not think this will pose a major problem for most parents, the majority of whom didn't end up working the bingos to get their money back.
"There might be a couple (parents) that really, truly went and worked the bingos because they needed the $50 back," Spencer said. "But for the most part, I think they understand the situation."
Spencer said next year's registration fee could increase beyond $300, but he said South Grenville currently has the lowest minor hockey fees in the region.
Girls Incorporated of Upper Canada, which provides various leadership and skills-development programs for girls aged six to 18, cut back its budget for the rest of the year because of the bingo's closure.
Donna Perrin, executive director of the group, said about $4,500 has been cut, which is what it stands to lose from not having its twice-a-month bingos during the last three months of this year.
She said there were budget reductions made to things such as marketing and travel, but programs for girls this year will remain intact and no staff reductions were necessary.
"The impact on our programs (this year) will be negligible," Perrin said.
She said next year's budget is more uncertain, but she hopes to tap various agencies and foundations to make up any funding shortfall.
Perrin said the United Way of Leeds and Grenville was not willing to waive the provision that affiliated members like Girls Incorporated not campaign for funds during the United Way's annual campaign, ongoing until December 2.
Judi Baril, executive director of the United Way of Leeds and Grenville, said the age
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