Strategic Approach to Smoking Bans: Delaware Gaming Industry

A study of Delaware’s statewide smoking ban suggests that it may have had a significant negative economic impact on the state’s gaming industry. However, such impact may vary in different segments of the hospitality industry, and therefore, must be examined strategically and on a case-by-case basis. The specific market environment, including both demand and competition of each state or each municipality, should be carefully analyzed by both governmental decision makers and by hospitality operators who influence these decision makers.

Smoking Restrictions, Bans Rise in Hospitality Industry

With the rise of smoking restrictions and bans in the hospitality industry the author discusses solutions that are implemented to protect the workforce and guests from involuntary smoking. Historical and societal contexts are drawn, and enforcement of smoking bans as well as their economic impact is explored in an international perspective, primarily since US researchers have propelled the research on smoking and health issues. The author illustrates that there has been no way to avoid enforcements of strict smoking restrictions, and the struggle to do so could just delay the process and waste resources.