A study by the Ontario Tobacco Research Unit found that food and liquor sales -- already flat since 2000 -- didn't decline after the August 2001 implementation of a total ban on smoking in public places in Ottawa.

"When the City of Ottawa implemented a 100-per-cent smoke-free bylaw ... strong opposition came from bar and restaurant owners saying that such a ban would severely impact their business," said Roberta Ferrence, director of the research group. "We decided to examine those claims to see if there was a link between a full smoking ban and sales at restaurants and bars. We found no evidence of such a link."

Researchers looked at government records of taxables sales at local restaurants and bars, controlling for seasonal variations and other economic factors, such as the business downturn caused by the Sept. 11 attacks in the U.S.

The Pub and Bar Coalition of Ontario (PUBCO) did not immediately respond to the report. But the group has stated that 64 pubs and bars have closed since the smoking ban went into effect, resulting in millions of dollars in losses.

Of the bars that closed, 26 reopened, and 13 new bars have also opened since the ban took effect.

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