Gas Prices effect on service industry

Retail gasoline prices were almost 40% higher on Memorial Day 2011 than in 2010. According to a recent study by the AAA- The share of expected spending has moved significantly towards fuel costs at the expense of shopping and entertainment. * The graph below illustrates what this means for local communities. Shopping Dining Entertainment and Retail 21% 17% 31% Less Money for Less Waitstaff Lost opportunities for Downtown Artists, Musicians. Hours and Tips and Creatives Businesses CO2 Heavier Dependence on Foreign Oil Higher Carbon Emissions More Fossil Fuel Consumption Source- A Mamorial Day 2011 Travel Forecast, Prepared for the American Automobile Association by IHS Global Insight May 19th 2011