Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Smoking ban's effect on Minnesota hospitality industry continues

Find the current list of 258+ closings here:

http://cleanairquality.blogspot.com/2007/01/100-bars-and-restaurants-put-out-of.html

Hospitality businesses throughout the state employ(ed) more than 127,000 people and pay(ed) $3.3 billion in wages each year making our industry Minnesota's second-largest employer. Annual sales for the industry exceed(ed) $8.3 billion and generate nearly $1 billion in tax receipts (pre-2005).

Update: Since the smoking bans were enacted in 2005, however, the Minnesota hospitality industry data above has changed significantly. MN Democratic (DFL) lawmakers were 3 - 4 times more likely to vote for anti-business initiatives like smoking bans (roll call vote link) than their Republican counterparts.

If you're concerned about the anti-business policies of Minnesota's city council members, mayors, county commissioners, and state legislators; remember November elections are around the corner, your vote against the Democratic candidate in any and all positions is a vote to keep Minnesota in business, jobs intact, and taxes lower.

Vote free market this November vote Republican.