The Wisconsin Tavern League thinks a new study is an argument against smoking bans.
The report published in the Journal of Public Economics suggests that when communities outlaw smoking there's an increase in traffic fatalities involving alcohol. It blames the increase on smokers driving to bars in other communities, where they can still light-up.
Scott Stenger of the Wisconsin Tavern League says the findings make sense, because smokers will go where they can smoke. He says it's good evidence for why local smoking ordinances can hurt communities, and why they should include exemptions that allow bars to keep smoking.
However, Maureen Busalacchi of SmokeFree Wisconsin takes issue with the study. She says people could be driving to bars in another city for reasons other than smoking.
