Alcohol, food sales rise with smoking ban in Washington eateries

OLYMPIA — Gambling declined while beer and food sales rose slightly in bars, restaurants and gambling establishments across Washington last year, the first full year under a smoking ban, state figures indicate.

Alcohol and food sales were 3.6 percent higher in 2006, compared to a 2.1 percent average annual growth rate in 2002-05. Gross income at non-tribal gambling businesses was down by 9.8 percent in 2006, according to Revenue Department figures issued Monday.

"The numbers suggest that bars and taverns may have lost some smokers but gained customers drawn to a smoke-free environment," department spokesman Mike Gowrylow said.

Under an initiative approved in November 2005, smoking is prohibited in bars and restaurants and within 25 feet of the doors and windows of businesses.

Tim Tweten, who owns six south Puget Sound restaurants, said he appreciates the ban but isn't sure if it has anything to do with his alcohol and food sales exceeding the state average.

Gowrylow said it was unclear whether the drop at non-tribal gambling businesses was because of smokers turning to tribal casinos, which are exempt from the smoking ban.