Quoting Laura Waterman Wittstock <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: > On Wednesday, May 5, 2004, at 04:12 PM, WizardMarks wrote: > > > Jeremy Wieland wrote: > > > >> Given that there are smokers, and that smokers seek out smoking > >> environments, why not either pass an "all or nothing" ordinance, or > >> provide > >> for a finite number of "smoking establishments." > > > > WM: What about established restaurants whose business, built up over a > > couple of generations from virtually nothing to a restaurant that > > supports a family and provides 50+ jobs to the community. > > > WizardMarks, Central > > All smoking or some smoking in places where the public is served both > expose workers to environmental smoke, a liability for the owner and a > health risk for the workers. [...]
Is anyone aware of law or precedent in Minnesota suggesting business owners are liable for injuries to employees or patrons caused by second- hand smoke? This seems like a pretty significant consideration. For that matter, given all the arguments that are flying around, are there definitive answers on (1) health risks of second-hand smoke; or (2) the effect of a smoking ban on various businesses. I've always assumed that second-hand smoke has some sort of dangerous effect, but I don't know for sure. I'd feel more comfortable advocating a change in law based on cancer risks than stinky overcoats. Regarding the second point, there seems to be a lot of controversy about this. Living in NYNY, the Mayor has argued that business is up since the ban went into effect, but others have responded that business in bars and restaurants is down. E.g.: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/public/press04/pr031-0329.html http://www.nypost.com/postopinion/opedcolumnists/18109.htm http://www.washblade.com/2004/4-23/view/columns/smokescreen.cfm http://www.nynewsday.com/news/local/ny-bc-ct--smokingban0429apr28,0,1561558.story?coll=nyc-regionhome-headlines If the health problems are that serious (which should go to the liability issue) that would obviously outweigh the economic harm. But if these issues are murky, I think there should be much more discussion before the city considers a ban. Regards, Mike Skoglund // Financial District NYNY // Bancroft MPLS REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
