The smoking ban is taking it's toll on New York City businesses reports Ban the Ban.

The New York Nightlife Association has released an economic impact study of the smoking ban's effects on New York City bars and nightclubs. Their findings:

-- 34 percent of New York City bars, hotels and nightclubs surveyed have reduced staff since the city and smoking ban took effect, by an average of 16 percent. 74 percent of those establishments identified the smoking ban as the cause of the reduction in staffing.

-- 76 percent of bars and nightclubs have experienced a decline in customers since the smoking ban was enacted, by an average of 30 percent. 78 percent of businesses surveyed said that the smoking ban had a negative impact on their businesses.

-- Bars and nightclubs that do not serve food reported a 19 percent decrease in alcohol sales since the smoking ban was enacted.