I guess the difference here comes down to this; there are those on this list who believe that Government (whether it's law makers or the courts) can best determine what citizens and businesses can do. And there are those of us who believe that the free market will determine by folks spending or not spending at particular businesses.
I will first say that I have 2 small children and don't like to eat in a smoky restaurant. That is not the deciding factor whether I go there though. The taste, quality of food and service are more important to me. I will always choose to sit in a non-smoking section of a restaurant, when given the opportunity. However, I believe that the choice should be there for businesses to determine if they want two sections. If customers come back then the customers want that too. If they didn't want that they would go elsewhere or put up there own money and open a non-smoking restaurant. Bars are a different story. I don't believe bars should be included in any ban. People have a choice to indulge in a more destructive substance (alcohol) or not. They have a choice to go to bars. If you want a non-smoking bar, open one up and see if it can support itself. MY SOLUTIONS WITHOUT A COMPLETE BAN: Try to get about 50% of current licensed restaurants to agree to a voluntary no smoking policy. All new permits for licensed restaurants would require that they choose either smoking or non-smoking for a policy. Require high permit fees up front for the smoking permits. Limit the number of smoking permits given out to the percentage of the population that smokes . Use a lottery system for these smoking permits if demand outweighs permit ability (which I believe it would). This way we can learn. Do business that opt for non-smoking and those that opt for smoking have any impact on the businesses customer base or bottom line? Bars are a different story. I would not put any ban on bars. No one has to go to a bar. No one is excluded or included. If non-smoking bars would be viable than get investors to start them up and have bands come in and play there. Prove to people that non-smoking bars can be viable. Make a difference by using your checkbook and supporting businesses that support your opinion. If there aren't any then start one, if you can't then it may not be a viable business entity. I know that I will vote against anyone who supports a complete smoking ban in St Paul or Ramsey County. It is the next thing they are trying to take away. I don't know what will be next, but if this passes another item will be up for government banning shortly afterwards. Let's make government responsive to the people but allowing choices in the marketplace, not sanctioning one lifestyle over another. I will also use my ability to control where I spend my money by shopping outside of ban areas. I would rather drive to Hudson and spend my money in Wisconsin than support a restrictive government mentality. I hope the Chamber of Commerce, Tavern League, restaurant industry and others start listening. It is not a forgone conclusion that a ban has to occur. The idea that it is a forgone conclusion is being perpetuated by the groups that want the ban. There are many out there like me who say, Not Here, Not Now! Let's look at alternatives to complete bans, like I have given above. Tom Thompson Como Park Wondering when common sense will return to St Paul _____________________________________________ To Join: St. Paul Issues Forum Rules Discussion Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] _____________________________________________ 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/
