[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: Repeal the Smoking Ban

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Posted by Speed Gibson:
Repeal the Smoking Ban
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1235317796.shtml


   In [1]Captain Ed's True North post on possibly lowering the drinking
   age, he quotes House Representative Tom Hackbarth (R-48A Elk River).

     âI think that bars and restaurants are having a difficult time
     right now with the smoking ban that went into place. I think with
     economic times the way they are, Iâve never opposed the drinking
     age being 18.â

   Leaving aside the drinking age question, if the smoking ban is causing
   a problem, shouldn't the smoking ban be addressed?"
   First, let's remember that there are no proven links between so-called
   second hand smoke in bars and the health of others, the patrons and
   employees. Second, let's remember that even if it was a problem,
   modern air handling equipment easily addresses this, bringing the air
   quality well within EPA guidelines. Several bars bought such systems,
   thinking the push for the smoking ban was truly about public health
   cause and effect.
   But like Prohibition, the Smoking Ban was borne of zealotry, not
   science. Prohibition was later repealed in 1933, one key reason being
   to generate much-needed jobs during the Great Depression.
   Continuing that parallel, given the economy, given our budget deficit,
   given the unfair competition our border cities have suffered, and
   given the proven job and tax revenue losses to date, isn't it time to
   now repeal the state wide Smoking Ban?
   In fact, let's repeal it with interest by precluding and setting aside
   any local such ordinances. Otherwise we'll again have border issues
   that supposed helped justify the state ban by making everyone suffer,
   not just the foolish jurisdictions.

References

   1. http://www.looktruenorth.com/limited-government/legislation/7032-should-minnesota-lower-the-drinking-age-to-18.html