[Mpls] Statewide Smoking Ban

[Dan]

> The statewide smoking ban ran into problems today in the House  Commerce
> Committee. The bill is being declared dead by some and it would  appear
that
> Minneapolis may have to go it alone. Does anyone know where Hennepin
County or St.
> Paul stands? I believe they are waiting for the state to act. Here  is the
> Star Tribune link: _http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/5269590.html_
> (http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/5269590.html)

As it now stands, Minneapolis and Hennepin County's draconian total ban is
going into effect March 31st (coming up like a rocket now). Smoking as of
that date will be completely banned in all bars, resturants, bowling alleys,
veterans clubs, private clubs, smoke-shops, and even cigar clubs.

St. Paul/Ramsey's Ban will exempt bars which derive the majority of their
revenues from liquor sales (it's a resturant ban). With the lack of a
state-ban (which I am thankful for), bars in St. Paul, and suburbs outside
of Hennepin County are going to get a nice boon. Where does that leave
Minneapolis bar owners? Champs downtown will be pretty crowded, I'm sure,
but the rest will probably be praying that the non-smokers come out in
greater numbers than they have historically, I suppose.

Dakota County is looking like a good place to open a bar or resturant.

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