Clearing The Air

Bars with Ventilation Could Dodge Smoking Ban

The above title and story is taken from "My Fox News" KMSP TV channel 9.

The (Minnesota) Senate Committee on Business, Industry and Jobs made amendments to the proposed smoking ban Monday. The change would allow bars with ventilation systems to clear out cigarette smoke to escape a statewide ban.

I did happen to be present during the afore-mentioned Minnesota Senate Committee hearing which passed the ventilation amendment.

While I think this amendment will help create an appearance of compromise on the part of lawmakers.........I don't think pro-smoking ban advocates have anything to fear in allowing this amendment to pass. The costs associated with these filtration / ventilation upgrades may make the option of going smoke-free look much more attractive to establishment owners.

Clearing the Air will keep a watchful eye on this amendment which may do little more than help soften the appearance of lawmakers' rigid stance on the smoking ban debate.

posted by marcus aurelius @ 9:29 PM