The battle over a smoking ban may pit taverns against restaurants. Ed Lump is president of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association , the board of which recently voted overwhelmingly in support of a comprehensive statewide ban. "The only way to minimize the impact of the smoking ban on every restaurant and tavern in Wisconsin is to create a truly level playing field, with no exceptions," said Lump. Lump claimed such a ban would impact taverns and restaurants equally, and result in relatively little loss of business for either. That assertion is disputed by Tavern League of Wisconsin lobbyist, Scott Stenger. "That's contrary to every study that's been done," Stenger said, "including the restaurant association's study." Stenger's organization is pushing for a smoking ban exemption, while Lump's group is now aligned with a coalition seeking the statewide ban.
AUDIO: Bob Hague reports :60 (MP3)
