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In a message dated 5/27/2004 10:57:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
writes:
> Whether some bars and restaurants will be hurt is an
> empirical question so, in the absence of real data, it
> can be argued either way. The argument is that smokers
> will stay home or go to neighboring communities.
> Personally, I can't imagine that people go to bars for
> the purpose of smoking.
The silliest and most "heart wrenching" business story was the Eagle Street Grill who
said that 50% of his business were smokers and he would go out of business if there
was a smoking ban as he choked back tears.
The business is located directly across the street from the Xcel Center. I'd guess
that 80-90% of his business comes from the Xcel. People's ability to smoke or not in
there isn't going to make one dimes worth of difference. They are people who eat
after they find a parking space on their way to an event. They are not the go out to
eat and then park crowd, or the eat after the event crowd. They are a captured
audience. If they have waited until then to chose a place to eat, they ain't picky.
They will have their last heater as they walk across the street.
There may be some businesses that have a real concern, I thought the Legion sounded
legit, or other bars that cater to the hard drinkers, limited or no food places. But,
as is to often the case there was quite a bid of over hand playing.
Like Pat (what can the City do to make ME money) Fluery complaining that the
government had its hand on his throat and the other on his wallet, all he wants is the
government to leave him alone. Ain't this the champion of the I love Baseball when
the tax is on someone other than the bars Fluery? Or the raise sales tax for the
hockey team, because the hospitality industry needed it Fluery? Or, didn't I see Pat
time and time again at City Hall campaigning to let a fellow bar owner off the hook
when they broke the law and served to minors, or stayed open after hours, or
functioned as a fence? I hope the "government" leaves him alone the next time he is
in front of them with his hand out or asking for special treatment. Great point man.
JMONTOMEPPOF
Chuck (FYI I am a smoker) Repke
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