Sign of things to come?

This is from Flash who runs a blog that I love to go to. He and I don't agree most of the time this one however I think we do. Flash has a blog called centrisity you can view it at http://centrisity.blogspot.com/

Here is his post:

Smoking Victim
Grandma's Saloon and Eatery, on the West Bank's Seven Corners is closing its doors. This popular hangout has endured most everything the economy has thrown at it, but the smoking ban on top of the other factors was too much.

Brian Daugherty, Grandma's general manager, said he opted out of the lease after being "legislated out of business." He blamed a host of laws -- a 2005 bill that doesn't allow tips to be counted as part of the minimum wage, the smoking ban, the 21-year-old drinking age and lower limits on blood-alcohol levels -- for a drop in business and rising expenses.

I haven't had a cigarette in over 6 months, but that hasn't changed my view of the rights of a private business to allow the use of legal products in their establishments.

Flash

My thought is this a sign of things to come for the Grandmas chain. Will we see any effects to our Duluth restaurants? Grandmas has been a staple in Duluth for many years and I would hate to see any of there establishments go out of business because of bills passed by our State legislators

Well many other items factor into the closing the smoking ban is the biggest hit to the business many say. You may have noticed in Duluth many places are not as busy as they were before the smoking ban. I know I have noticed it. Regardless of any report done I ask you talk to owners at there own business.

I had a conversation with an owner of a chines restaurant yesterday she was pissed about the new sales tax increase to Duluth restaurants because of the DECC expansion. The first words out of her mouth were on top of the smoking ban how do they expect us to make a living?

The owner expects to take another small hit because of the sales tax increase. She said down 40% sense the smoking ban took effect. Any small hit may make them close there doors.

If a big chain can't make it how can small mom and pop restaurants make it?

State smoking ban.

Note I started this post yesterday that is why it say's today and not yesterday.

Today marks a black day for Minnesota business’s because of the State smoking ban. As you may or may not know today marks the first day of the State wide smoking ban. If you have read this blog in the past you know I am against smoking bans. I have never favored one, nor do I expect to ever do so.

One reason some groups liked this is because it said it made if fair for all of Minnesota. What they seem to forget is it does not make if fair to those city’s (such as Duluth) that are next to a different State. It is unrealistic to believe that smokers and non-smokers will not go to these other States. As a non smoker I believe people have a choice. I will support those cities and States that still leave it up to the people. This means I will go to Superior more then likely to eat or drink.

This is about protecting business and peoples rights.