Posted on 05/17/2007 4:47:06 PM PDT by Wheee The People
Editorial: Smoking ban proves Legislature can get things done 5/17/2007 8:56:33 AM ...
The hope comes in the form of the "Freedom to Breathe Act," which Gov. Tim Pawlenty signed on Wednesday.
The act, which will take effect on Oct. 1, bans smoking in virtually all bars and restaurants in the state. A statewide smoking ban was proposed in previous legislative sessions, but the bills died amid the partisan rancor that has beset the Legislature through the 2000s.
This year, however, nearly equal numbers of Republican and DFL lawmakers joined together to pass the statewide smoking ban by comfortable margins in both the Senate and the House.
We stated in a previous editorial that the smoking ban issue is one that is best addressed at the statewide level. Many cities and counties, including Olmsted, have enacted their own smoking bans over the last decade. But those local ordinances create an unequal playing field for bar and restaurant owners who fear they'll lose business to nearby communities. The statewide bill goes a long way toward leveling the playing field.
We are empathetic to business owners who still believe they'll lose customers as a result of the statewide ban. However, the Oct. 1 implementation date, which was moved back from the bill's original Aug. 1 compliance deadline, should give business owners and their patrons time to plan ahead. Who knows? Maybe some customers will use the next four and a half months to complete smoking cessation programs, or cut back on their tobacco use.
We also empathize with those who argue that the government has no business telling restaurant and tavern proprietors what to do.
After all, no one is forcing individuals to frequent bars or restaurants that permit smoking, and there are plenty of smoke-free dining and entertainment options out there.
The law isn't perfect. There are still concerns that bars and restaurants near Indian gaming casinos, which are exempt from the new law because they're under federal jurisdiction, might be at a competitive disadvantage.
The same holds true for establishments in border communities such as Moorhead.
Only the enactment of a national smoking ban would completely level the playing field. But that's not likely to happen anytime soon. In the meantime, a Minnesota ban makes good sense in a state that has for decades been a leader in the protection of public health.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty is a Republican...Social Conservatives applaud this and we like the results despite the wailing and gnashing of teeth here.
They can get things done they just can’t get things right. The nanny state creeps further along.
Whatever...The social conservative wing of the Republican party is a major branch of the right and indeed some of the views are at odds with the libertarian wing. However, it’s clear conservative voters go to the polls and vote for smoking bans.
“Smoking ban proves Legislature can get things done “
Yeah like take people’s rights away and grow the nanny state.. JUST what we need..
I live in Minnesota and we have a cabin in Wisconsin. We go to the rural areas of both states (friends live there). They passed the Bill, now let them enforce it, especially in the vast rural area in both states. The smoking Nazis will have a fit when they find out that there is smoking in the VFW camp lodge lounge on Big Marine Lake. I would advise against trying to stop those crazy old Nam Vets. They’ll be using their a$$es as Pike bait in the morning.
And right there it should end...
Like I mentioned before, you don’t understand Rush. Maybe this will clarify things, because this is you.
http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_051607/content/01125118.member.html
Thanks...The Smokefree Illinois Act has also been passed by both the House and Senate and Governor Rod Blagojevich has said he will sign it.
Nice way to treat our vets. Yeah, you’re happy.
Hey, Wheee stated that he votes “to improve society.” His personal hero is Fred Thompson. Wheee even made a post on a Fred article page where there was a picture of Fred with a cigar in his mouth. Oh, my!
I see Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley signed into law today one of the most restrictive smoking bans in the nation. Sweeeeeeet!
Why are you so obsessed with this? You truly are a controlling-type of person. I’m glad you’re not my husband (who is truly a saint). Don’t you have more important things to get motivated about? I just don’t get it.
I'm thrilled too.
You only have comebacks, never any responses to direct questions, just like a child, Wheee.
I have good news and bad news for you Wheenie Of The Sheeple
Good News: Jesus Loves You WheeWheeOnTheSheeple despite the fact that you either disregard or take his teachings out of context. Repent and ye shall be forgiven.
Bad News: The rest of us here on FR who are actually in favor of limited government think you are a Totalitarian Big Goverment loving hypocritical douchebag.
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