Anti-Smoking Laws
The Times reported about the poor economy in Moorpark this past year. You also reported that Simi Valley had a very good year. Moorpark and Simi Valley are sister cities. Is it possible that some of the economic differences between these two towns is due to the restrictive smoking policy that is in effect in Moorpark?
Simi Valley businesses (especially restaurants and the two bowling alleys) have profited from the restrictive smoking laws introduced in Los Angeles, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Ojai and Camarillo. Many businesses in these areas have suffered severe financial loss since the local smoking laws were introduced. Some, like the Ojai Bowling Alley, have even been forced to close their doors.
Has anyone looked at the attendance statistics of the Los Angeles Dodgers since they instituted their smoking restrictions? I used to go to about 10 games a year, but I have not gone in more than two years.
Now we have a restrictive new state law. Has any thought been given to the impact that will have on tourism, the No. 1 industry in California?
DOUGLAS A. VANDER HEIDE
Simi Valley
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