To the editor:

Dr. Ronald Weiner (Public Forum, March 15) is right on in regard to the effects of a smoking ban on bar/restaurant business. My brother-in-law, a Realtor in Fort Collins, Colo., which has enacted a smoking ban, spoke with several bar/restaurant owners who state they do not see any decrease in their business as a result of the ban.

During a recent visit to Fort Collins, we waited in a line stretching out into the parking lot for 45 minutes before we were seated for dinner.

The next day, Sunday, I visited a brewpub similar to Free State (except in my opinion Free State has better beer) at 2:30 in the afternoon and encountered a short wait, even at that time of day.

I realize these are anecdotal reports, but they reflect on the issue of whether a ban would be a permanent detriment to business.

Unfortunately, nonsmoking sections in restaurants or bars do not eliminate the presence of secondhand smoke. Often these areas are just a table away from the smoking section. There have been statements made that you do not have to frequent smoking restaurants if you are sensitive or have children you wish to protect, as there are many nonsmoking restaurants in Lawrence. If you really research the issue, I think you will find there are almost no non-fast-food family restaurants that are smoke-free.

Ron Meyers,

Lawrence