To the editor:

I have repeatedly heard the commercial by the opponents to a smoking ban state that the nonsmoking establishments had so little business they had a problem supporting a full-time staff, and the dire consequences to the city which would result from a ban. I would ask them to list these establishments.

I questioned the manager of Marisco’s, a nonsmoking restaurant, regarding this issue. He said he had no lack of customers, and was not pleased with the implication. A recent Journal-World article reported on a new bar in North Lawrence that is nonsmoking. The owner said business was good and she had received many favorable comments on the no-smoking policy.

I think the establishments that have limited business that they attribute to their no-smoking policies should be identified. Why are they still nonsmoking if they are hurting so badly?

Ron Meyers,

Lawrence