Yellowknife (May 11/05) - The smoking by-law that had restaurants and bars butt-out last year may have some businesses hurting, but only three per cent of Yellowknifers would say it has worsened the quality of life in our city, an Ipsos Reid survey shows.

The smoking bylaw doesn't bother Karen Murchie, or 97 per cent of Yellowknifers.

This comes as little surprise to some, says the survey.

Bob Ross operates Jose Loco's Cantina, a restaurant downtown. Even though his business was hurt by the change, he says there are more things for Yellowknifers to worry about than a smoking by-law.

"There's a whole bunch going on," he said.

"When people come up here and they see people getting drunk or smoking dope at 10 on a Saturday morning, that makes people think badly of the town," said Ross.

Tom Walker, a former smoker himself who quit for health reasons, operates Northwest Cleaning. He says the by-law doesn't bother him either.

"Overall I think it is a good idea. I frankly enjoy it," he said.

"When I'm at a restaurant and having a meal, I actually find myself spending more time talking in the restaurant where before the first thing you would do is light up a cigarette and probably not enjoy the taste of the meal ," Walker said.

Karen Murchie works at Golder Associates, above Jose Loco's, and the by-law is fine with her.

Progressive for the North

"I think it's really progressive for a Northern community, and I feel proud to say I live in a community that is smoke-free," she said.

She said the worst thing about the town is litter on the streets.