> I am perplexed about this claim that some bars and restaurants will fail
> as a result of the Minneapolis smoking restrictions.  I rarely go to
> bars -  except Adrians on 46th & Chicago - but it has always seemed to
> me that people go there to drink and to socialize.  Why will people stop
> going to bars, restaurants, coffee houses, etc. simply because they are
> smoke free?

People who smoke tend to drink. They go hand in hand. You say yourself, you
rarely go to bars. Smokers tend to go more often.

> It has been suggested that many people in Minneapolis and Hennepin
> County will flee to other locales. To date, that does not seem to be
> happening very often and I for one doubt that it will make much of an
> impact.  From most Minneapolis neighborhoods, heading over to St. Paul
> (especially with $2.50 gas) just to smoke - seems to be an unlikely
> regular event.

It's not just a suggestion. it's fact. Several bars I have personal
knowledge of are in dire straits. I will soon have sales statistics compiled
from minneapolis bars.

> FYI, did anyone notice that the hospitality industry in partnership with
> the tobacco and alcoholic beverage industry worked so hard to kill a
> statewide restaurant/bar smoke free law in the Legislature?  This, after
> screaming loudly last year during the debate on the Minneapolis smoke
> free ordinance that a statewide law was needed rather than a patchwork
> of municipal or county actions!

The tobacco industry had nothing to do with it. It was a grassroots effort,
which I was a part of. Local business owners and liberty minded people
banded together in an informal coalition. That's what helped defeat the
state-wide smoking ban. No tobacco companies came to our aid (though I would
appreciate the help).

> There are rumors that the industry strategy is going to be seeking
> repeal of the smoke free ordinance in Minneapolis and other communities.
> Minneapolis residents need to be asking City Council candidates if they
> support a repeal of the smoke free ordinance and to put them on record
> as supporting or opposing repeal!

Again. "Industry" has nothing to do with it. It's people. Ordinary concerned
citizens like myself, and the bar owners and workers who's livlihoods are on
the line.


Dan McGrath
Longfellow
http://www.subversivepictures.com
http://www.smokeoutgary.org



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