Though we are currently on a remarkably self-imposed "smoking-ban discussion ban," this will likely get things started again. From the Strib in today's online edition:
Tough Bloomington Smoking Ban May Start Trend http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/4884028.html >From the article: The expected vote in Bloomington, the metro area's largest suburb, comes as a flurry of smoking-ban proposals are being considered by number of suburbs, Minneapolis, St. Paul and Hennepin County. The Minneapolis City Council is expected to vote on its proposal Friday. A task force, working behind closed doors since mid-June, wrapped up its work late Monday. It recommended a full smoking ban at bars and restaurants effective March 31, 2005. Task force Chairman Rocco Forte, regulatory services director, endorsed that plan. But Council Member Scott Benson has proposed that a ban that would go into effect at restaurants on March 31, 2005, but would allow bars to apply for a one-year waiver. Six Minneapolis council members already are signed on to support the full ban, but a seventh vote is needed for passage. Council Vice President Robert Lilligren along with Benson are considered the swing votes. Lilligren wouldn't say which way he was leaning; Benson supports the waiver plan. "We had meetings, but it seemed as though from the first day the outcome was predetermined," said Mike Jennings, president of the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association. ______________________ Gregory Luce St. Paul 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
