> The statewide smoking ban ran into problems today in the House Commerce > Committee. The bill is being declared dead by some and it would appear that > Minneapolis may have to go it alone. Does anyone know where Hennepin County or St. > Paul stands? I believe they are waiting for the state to act. Here is the > Star Tribune link: _http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/5269590.html_ > (http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/5269590.html)
As it now stands, Minneapolis and Hennepin County's draconian total ban is going into effect March 31st (coming up like a rocket now). Smoking as of that date will be completely banned in all bars, resturants, bowling alleys, veterans clubs, private clubs, smoke-shops, and even cigar clubs. St. Paul/Ramsey's Ban will exempt bars which derive the majority of their revenues from liquor sales (it's a resturant ban). With the lack of a state-ban (which I am thankful for), bars in St. Paul, and suburbs outside of Hennepin County are going to get a nice boon. Where does that leave Minneapolis bar owners? Champs downtown will be pretty crowded, I'm sure, but the rest will probably be praying that the non-smokers come out in greater numbers than they have historically, I suppose. Dakota County is looking like a good place to open a bar or resturant. Dan McGrath Longfellow http://www.smokeoutgary.org REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
