PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 12, 2007

amot@amot.org

AMOT URGES HOUSE BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

COMMITTEE TO OPPOSE HB 9

Statewide smoking ban could have devastating impact on small business owners across the state.

Austin—Tomorrow, March 13, 2007, the House Business & Industry committee will consider HB 9, legislation by Representative Myra Crownover (R-64) that would ban smoking virtually everywhere in Texas except private residences.  AMOT urges the committee to reject this legislation, protect the financial viability of small business owners, and stand up for private property rights and individual freedoms that Texans hold dear.   

AMOT represents over 200 small business owners and has served as the responsible voice of the coin-operated business for over 38 years.  While AMOT member businesses operate equipment  (everything from pool tables and juke boxes to electronic golf and table top games) in movie theaters, VFW Posts, bowling centers, and restaurants, the vast majority of operations are located in bars, nightclubs and taverns.  It is in those locations where member companies stand to suffer the greatest financial harm should HB 9 pass in its current form.

“I’m sure the committee will be presented with studies that show there are no adverse economic consequences to smoking bans,” Jake Plaia, AMOT Board President, said. “But I know from personal experience that a smoking ban has consequences.  Within months of the enactment of the Beaumont smoking ban, my revenue dropped by 30%.  We have recovered slightly but sales are still down by 20%. Furthermore, since August, three of the locations I serviced have closed.  I am proof that these comprehensive smoking bans have serious economic consequences.”

HB 9 supporters maintain this is a public health issue, and that invasive and expensive state regulation of all Texas businesses is warranted due to the health risks associated with smoking.  We urge lawmakers to weigh the interests of small businesses in this debate as well.  Texas has a long history of commitment to civil liberties, private property rights, and limited government. This legislation undermines all of those basic principles that Texans have historically embraced. 

It is important to note that HB 9 would also supersede the diverse local ordinances that have already been adopted in several Texas communities.  Dallas for instance, has adopted a smoking ban that exempts bars and restaurants, while areas such as Round Rock, Robinson and Portland only exempt bars.  AMOT believes the business interests have been recognized in these local ordinances and the state ban ignores them.   At the very least, local communities should decide what is best for the people and businesses that reside there. 

“The customers who frequent the establishments I serve are fully capable of making choices, as are their employees,” said Plaia.  “Businesses are also fully capable of making choices – if customers want a smoke-free environment – they will demand it – or take their business elsewhere.”

A smoking ordinance does not make smokers quit smoking – it only makes them quit spending money.  AMOT encourages the committee to carefully review all of the potential consequences of such a broad and far-reaching proposal.

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