WCB responds with renewed attacks on hospitality sector

Vancouver, February 15, 2000 – Five businesses have closed their doors since January 1st as a result of the BC government’s smoking ban.

The closed businesses are:

These businesses were unable to sustain the dramatic drop in business that has occurred in many establishments following the implementation of the smoking ban. In certain instances, revenues have dropped by 65% - 85%.

Rick Kolter, Manager of the Alexander Mackenzie Inn in Fort St. John said, "Since we were ‘beaten’ into compliance by the WCB, our business has dropped in the lounge from $1,000 a day to $80. We have already laid off 16 people, and may have to close some of our food and beverage outlets."

Rick Boyd, President of the BC & Yukon Hotel Association said "Some 598 job losses have been reported directly from members of the various hospitality organizations. These are accurate, conservative figures. The WCB has pulled a statistical shell game to try to discredit our findings and to paint a rosy economic picture, but that doesn’t help the families of those who are out of work."

He concluded, "Someone, somewhere has to speak out for reasonable compromises. The WCB’s latest tactic is to strong-arm and threaten everyone into compliance. It is increasingly clear that this regulation is not about worker health, but about the government’s overall agenda against smoking. While this may be a worthy objective, many small and medium size businesses don’t have the margins to survive when their clients are chased away by the government."

The Coalition of Hospitality Organizations is a group of affected industry organizations, injured workers, and individuals that support a ventilation solution.

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For more information:

Rick Boyd Rick Kolter

BC & Yukon Hotels Association Alexander Mackenzie Inn

604.528.7353 250.785.8364