This is in response to anti-smoking coalition member Jackie Lanier's letter Nov. 13, where she wrote "scientific study after study has shown that smoke free ordinances do not harm businesses."

Her group places great emphasis on one such study out of Manhattan, New York. County Board members asked for documentation that would more accurately reflect McLean County, but no information was provided to them from Jackie or her group at the final public smoking meeting.

While not a "scientific study," I called and spoke with Marilyn, who for 17 years has owned The Buckhart Tavern near Springfield, where a smoking ban went into effect three months ago. Marilyn said sales figures dropped over 30 percent compared to previous years.

Edinburgh is located 5 miles away from Marilyn in Christian County, where smoking is allowed in taverns. She says many former customers and friends now drive five minutes to the tavern in Edinburg, where smoking is allowed.

She also said a tavern near her called The Sand Bar closed this month, after 25 years in business. I called their number and no one answered.

If a smoking ban is passed as Jackie's group wants, my regular customers will avoid my McLean County tavern and travel to other McLean County towns such as LeRoy and Lexington, where smoking will be legal.

My message to the board: Sooner rather than later the state will pass a comprehensive smoking ban, and the playing field will be level for all taverns - which I can accept.

Jackie's smoke-free coalition group stated many times they would frequent taverns and restaurants more often if smoking was banned. Possible an oversight but I think the members missed a trip to The Buckhart Tavern, where plenty of seating is available.

Larry Kelly

Merna

The writer is owner of The Merna Tap.