Loto-Quebec says profits singed by smoking ban

Quebec's new smoking ban, whichis comingunder fire Tuesday in court by a coalition of bar owners, is also causing grieffor another group: Loto-Qubec.

For many, smoking and gambling is a well-entrenched habit that hasgone hand in hand for years.

The gaming corporation says profits from video lottery terminals (VLTs)have dropped between 12 and 15 per cent since gamblers were forced to butt out May 31.

Jean-Pierre Roy, a spokesperson for Loto-Qubec, saidthat amounts to roughly $2 million a week. Despite the losses, Roy said, the corporation has no plans to challenge the province's ban.

'We need some time to assess whether this is temporary or a long-range situation.' -Jean-Pierre Roy ofLoto-Quebec

"Some people are playing shorter periods of time, people are playing less frequently and some people have stopped altogether,but we need some time to assess whether this is temporary or a long-range situation," he said.

The anti-tobacco law- whichprohibits smoking in bars, restaurants and casinos, and most public places has been more problematic for bar owners in Quebec.

Revenues drop 30 per cent

Some businesses say revenues have dropped as much as 30 per cent in the two months since the law was passed, resulting in substantial job losses for bar and restaurant employees.

A coalition of bar owners is asking Quebec's Superior Court to suspend part of the law pending a constitutional challenge.

Peter Sergakis, head of the coalition, said a survey of various bar owners projects as many as 500 layoffs in the industry in Quebec.

"The government was telling us, 'Don't worry, 70 per centof the population of Quebec are non-smokers ... they're going to be rushing into your bars we haven't seen that," said Sergakis, who owns several bars and clubs in Quebec.

Jeffrey Derevenski, director ofMcGill University'sinternational centre for problem gambling,believes the losses at least for the gaming industry are temporary.

He saysstudies have shown a recovery in profits over the long term.

'Revenues will start to go back once people acclimatize to this and when they realize what they need to do is the same as if they work in an office. They will go outside and catch a smoke.' -Gaming expert Jeffrey Derevenski

"Revenues will start to go back once people acclimatize to this and when they realize what they need to do is the same as if they work in an office. They will go outside and catch a smoke."

Quebec's Bill 112 prohibits smoking:

• In pubs, restaurants, taverns, bars and bingo halls.
• In enclosed spaces where the activities held are reserved for persons invited or authorized to attend by the host.
• Under big tops.
• In shelters and other similar facilities that are open to the public
• On school grounds.
• Within nine metres from any exterior door leading to a facility of a health and social services institution, to a building of a general and vocational college or a university, or to a facility of a child-care centre.