Today's Strib has an article setting out some FACTS about banning smoking based on the Dublin experience.
First: "...second-hand smoke raises the chances of contracting lung cancer by as much as 20 percent to 30 percent, heart disease 25 percent to 30 percent and stroke by as much as 82 percent." This is from a study by the Irish Ministry of Health Second: "97 percent of bars and restaurants inspected during the first month had been smoke-free and that the ban had not resulted in a decline in business." http://www.startribune.com/stories/484/4832203.html So much for the bleatings of the bar owners opposed to the ban. And it's what one would expect since people don't go to bars to smoke. They can do that at home. They go for the companionship and the chance to meet and talk with other people. To be fair, the ban is nationwide in Ireland so there's nowhere else for people to go. However, a number of cities in the US have banned smoking without seeing a loss of business. It's time for Mayor Kelly and the City Council to listen to the wishes of the overwhelming majority of citizens, to stop pandering to a few vocal bar owners who have unfounded fears about the effects of a ban on their businesses and to lead the way to a state-wide ban by enacting a local one here. Charlie Swope Ward 1 _____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
