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To review systematically the literature on the economic impact of smoking bans in bars and restaurants and provide an estimate of the impact size using meta‐analysis.

Studies were identified by systematic database searches and screening references of reviews and relevant studies. Google and web‐pages of tobacco control agencies were also searched. The review identified 56 studies using absolute sales, sales ratio or employment data and employing regression methods to evaluate the impact of smoking bans in the United States, Australia or in countries in South America or Europe. The meta‐analysis included 39 comparable studies, with 129 cases identified based on the outcome measure, scope of the ban, type of establishment and geographical location. Methodological quality was assessed based on four pre‐determined criteria. Study and case selection and data extraction were …