Survey: More than 75 percent favor Mich. smoking ban

More than 75 percent of people surveyed by the state Department of Community Health favored Michigan's smoking ban, according to results of a study released this morning.

Researchers with the agency completed the public opinion survey before the law, which bans smoking in bars, restaurants and other public venues, went into affect May 1.

The survey of 10,030 people was distributed to clients receiving services at local health departments in 80 of Michigan's 83 counties between March 1 and April 23.

Among those participating, 88 percent thought that secondhand smoke was a serious health threat to nonsmokers. Nonsmokers were significantly more supportive of the law than smokers.

About 87 percent of participants were aware that all bars and restaurants would be smoke-free starting May 1. Overall, 89.5 percent of those surveyed reported they would go out to eat more often or would not change if smoking were prohibited in restaurants and bars.

"The results of the survey indicate strong support for the free tobacco law prior to implementation," Teri Wilson, a Consultant with the MDCH Tobacco Section, said in a press release. "The good news for the economy is that almost 90 percent of participants indicated they would go out to eat more often or just as often as they did prior to Michigan being smoke-free."

The results belie comments from some bar and restaurant owners who say the smoking ban has hurt their business. A group called the Protect Private Property Rights in Michigan Team also protests the ban and held a boycott of Michigan Lottery games, such as Keno and Lucky Lines, at bars and restaurants Saturday.

Lottery spokeswoman Andrea Brancato said information is not yet available on the effects of the boycott on lottery sales.