I'm one of those folks that think we just have too much government in our everyday life. I really don't care one way or the other about a smoking ban in Mpls., because when I want to enjoy a cigar with a scotch or a cold beer, in a bar/restaurant/entertainment environment, I'll look at my options and act accordingly. There are many nice establishments in and around Mpls. that I can frequent; and, if I can't be obliged in one locality, I'll simply go elsewhere. No problem. In the case of a statewide smoking ban, I'll still get along just fine and make adjustments. However, a statewide smoking ban is an entirely different animal than a local ban. Absent a statewide ban, people simply have too many dinning and entertainment options to worry about a local smoking ban in Mpls.
I've been a blues aficionado since the mid-sixties. I attended the first Ann Arbor Blues Festival in '69. I drove all the way to Ann Arbor to hear the likes of John Lee Hooker, Otis Rush, Jimmy 'fast fingers' Dawkins, Pinetop Perkins, Koko Taylor, Charlie Musslewhite, Luther Allison, Paul Butterfield, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, BB King, Lightnin' Hopkins, Otis Spann and many others. A couple of my favorite nite spots in Chicago include the House of Blues, and Legends which is owned by Buddy Guy. Twenty years ago there were only a few places in Mpls and St. Paul to consistently hear good blues in the entire metro area. Not so anymore. In fact, some of the best blues artists skip the central cities altogether these days to play in the surrounding suburbs. Many suburban folks never even enter the downtown areas anymore to hear good blues... and similar choices exist for many entertainment venues. Free parking, large movie theaters with stadium seating, a variety of dining and entertainment choices- including smoking; and all with lower taxes than Minneapolis. Institute a smoking ban in Mpls., and I predict a loss of good blues in the city. The entertainers will go to the big suburban venues that offer more customers better choices, and where there's more money on the table. I think similar arguments can be made for many niche entertainment markets-- the business, or much of it, will simply go elsewhere as a result of a local ban. Even Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam are headed to the west coast... it's all about competitive choices in life. When I attend Orchestra Hall, I often visit the Hilton or Brits afterwards to enjoy a drink and possibly a cigar with friends. The Hilton even has a good cigar collection available at the bar. When the weather is nice we often wander further north to visit establishments along the Mall. Even further north, I love Babaloo's on Washington-- great food and a good cigar selection available to customers! The Times and Fine Line... And, I often visit Famous Dave's in Uptown, or some West Bank establishments to catch local and visiting blues artists. I'm middle-aged and don't run around much anymore, yet I appreciate choices in my life. Younger folks think nothing of driving clear across the metro for whatever suits their fancy. Today, there are many entertainment options available in suburban locations. Life just doesn't revolve around downtown Mpls. anymore. It's a big metro area. Here's an idea, suggested again for those that missed it the first time-- Why not let the OWNERS of PRIVATE BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS-- those who have earned and invested their money, those who risk their capital daily, those who pay wages and taxes; let them determine who their clientele is, and cater to that clientele in the manner they see fit-- i.e. by offering or not offering wine and beer, liquor, a no-smoking environment or a choice of a smoking/no-smoking environment, food and/or entertainment options? Let the marketplace determine what legal vices any given OWNER/INVESTOR may offer customers. Let CUSTOMERS CHOOSE those establishments they enjoy. If they don't like any given establish for whatever reason, let them go somewhere else-- it's their choice. It's very simple. Let market forces determine which establishments survive and fail, without unnecessary government intervention. If non-smokers want more non-smoking options, OWN and INVEST in such establishments, and compete in the marketplace with the broader entertainment venues available. Spend your own money. It's a cut throat, competitive business environment... put YOUR money on the table, rather than telling other private business owners what they may or may not do with their money and their businesses. It's the private sector that makes the world go around, and that's a lesson politicians should take to heart. It's the governments role to facilitate business opportunity-- successful businesses provide jobs and pay taxes. Over taxation and over regulation is a disincentive to business-- they raise the cost of doing business. Don't kill the goose! Michael Hohmann Linden Hills 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
