MRA News

January 12, 2004
MI Restaurant Association Renews Fight to Snuff Proposed Statewide Smoking Ban

LANSING – The Michigan Restaurant Association today renewed its pledge to fight for the rights of restaurant owners and patrons and to leave the choice of smoke free dining up to them, not state government.

State law currently allows restaurant owners to prohibit smoking in their establishment, if they so choose. MRA Executive Director Rob Gifford said a proposed statewide restaurant smoking ban, introduced by Senator Ray Basham, R-Taylor, is unnecessary legislation.

"We’re in the business of providing customers with choices and giving them what they want," Gifford said. "With the growing number of smoke free restaurants across the state in recent years, the restaurant and foodservice industry has done an excellent job of regulating itself without government interference."

"We respect the right of customers to choose where and how they dine, just as we respect the rights of private, business owners to decide the smoking policy that best fits their clientele," Gifford continued. "A statewide smoking ban opens the door for government to interfere in the private lives of citizens and the private affairs of business owners."

Since 1997, the number of smoke-free establishments in Michigan has risen by 27 percent. Today, there are more than 3,600 smoke-free restaurants in the state.

Founded in 1921, the Michigan Restaurant Association represents nearly 4,000 Michigan foodservice establishments in the state. The foodservice industry plays an integral role in Michigan’s economy, employing 300,000 people and creating $10.7 billion in annual sales.


Copyright 2010 by Michigan Restaurant Association 800-968-9668

.

Search