"Perhaps less dramatic because of their ubiquitous presence and legal status, nicotine and alcohol are often consumed together for physiological and/or social reasons. Both drugs stimulate dopamine release, and work synergistically to increase dopamine levels" (Menke, 2009). Similarly, the concept of enjoying a drink and a cigarette makes some people think that they live in a permissive environment, this standing as proof that they live in a democrat society. Moreover, "the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA, 1 998) reports that between 80% and 95% of alcoholics smoke" (Menke, 2009). It is thus difficult to consider the outcome that the smoking ban has had on bars and restaurants without actually checking for convincing data. In spite of the fact that many bar and restaurant owners complained in regard to how their businesses were severely affected by the smoking ban, reality seems to be different. The smoking ban was only confirmed to have little to no effect (some businesses have actually experienced positive results consequent to the smoking ban) on the well-being of bars and restaurants. People tend to ignore the fact that in addition to the fact that many smokers visit other locations as a result of the smoking ban, new customers flow in because they know that they will not be disturbed by cigarette smoke (Whitney, B). Individuals who support smoking in bars and restaurants motivate their position...

The concept of smoking because it "looks cool" will no longer be present in bars or restaurants in New York, as their owners would risk being fined or even having their business closed for supporting such a practice. People will simply have to be presentable without smoking and they will have to be satisfied with enjoying a drink or a dinner smoke-free.
When considering that some smokers will continue to go to the location they are fond of, it is very likely that the smoking ban assists smokers in quitting and in gradually becoming less vulnerable to smoke-related affections. From a utilitarian point-of-view, the ban on smoking has not had any negative results. Similarly, the ban experienced positive results when looking at matters from a deontological perspective.

Works cited:

Menke, J. Michael "Bar Patronage after a Smoking Ban," Journal of Drug Issues 39.2 (2009)

Whitney, Ben "Study Finds New York Restaurants Not Hurt by Smoking Ban," Retrieved June 24, 2011, from the Tobacco Control Website: http://www.tobaccocontrol.neu.edu/tcu/tcu05.1/States/study_finds_new_york_restaurants.htm

"NYC Smoking Ban Debuts," Retrieved June 24, 2011, from the CBSNews Website: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/03/29/national/main546751.shtml