[Mpls] Smoking ban in Minneapolis

[Laura Waterman Wittstock]

On Wednesday, May 5, 2004, at 04:12 PM, WizardMarks wrote:

> Jeremy Wieland wrote:
>
>> Given that there are smokers, and that smokers seek out smoking
>> environments, why not either pass an "all or nothing" ordinance, or 
>> provide
>> for a finite number of "smoking establishments."


> WM: What about established restaurants whose business, built up over a 
> couple of generations from virtually nothing to a restaurant that 
> supports a family and provides 50+ jobs to the community.

> WizardMarks, Central

All smoking or some smoking in places where the public is served both 
expose workers to environmental smoke, a liability for the owner and a 
health risk for the workers.

Establishments of business have to consider the health of their workers 
(and themselves) when deciding whether to allow smoking in their 
establishments. The right of workers to seek damages has been 
acknowledged in case law so the likelihood that more businesses will be 
forced to consider the health of their workers is greater in today's 
environment.

Most discussion around the needs and wants of the customers have to 
take this into consideration. And, so far, the literature is showing 
that public policy and lawmaking around curbing public smoking does 
reduce diseases and deaths from smoking -- and encourages more people 
to quit or not start as well.

Can't wait for Minneapolis to take this up.

Best,

Laura
Southeast Minneapolis


Laura Waterman Wittstock
MIGIZI Communications, Inc.
3123 East Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55406
612.721.6631 ext 219
wittstock at migizi.org
http://www.migizi.org