Smoking Ban…uh…Shmoking Ban?
So I saw the other day that the Rail Station is installing a smoking caboose in the near future. While this seems like a neat idea, I’m wondering what the legal ramifications are with regards to the smoking ban in Hennepin County. Is this really an option, a la smoking patios? If so, way to be creative there, Rail Station. Looks like other bars are getting in on the act too. (Sorry if anyone has already read this article. It’s a few days old.) I love how this seems to be the Twin Cities’ most controversial topic at the moment. Bigger fish to fry? Pshhhhaw.
As for the rest of today? I will be celebrating the day of my birth with cake for breakfast, a little Hollidazzle parade action later, maybe check out the Dillinger Four at the 7th Street, and catch yet another viewing of Serenity. I am Self-Indulgent Glutton today. Go, me!
One of the bans (can’t recall if it’s Mpls or St. Paul) had a provision that smoking could be allowed if in an enclosed, ventilated space. Most bar and club owners can’t afford to create spaces like the Rail Station’s Caboose.
(By the way, I live not far from the Rail Station!)
Sounds like a great idea to me.
When Madison instituted their smoking ban, I remember hearing about that enclosed, ventilated space stipulation. Some places did end up ponying up to build or renovate to meet that standard. I don’t know how that particular aspect of the ban panned out.
And now having read the article, I gotta say that the idea of parking a “party bus” in the alleys of downtown cracks me up.
You can find all of the local ordinances on the American Lung Association site:
http://www.alamn.org
Look under “public policy” box at top of screen.
i cant believe the cities are allowing these psuedo “smoking rooms” outside.
the real losers are going to be the bar owners, again. $80,000 into a smoking caboose, and in 1-2 years a statewide ban or a re-interpretation of the existing bans will make the outdoor rooms illegal too.
And the outside air, around the area will smell of the worst bad smell you have ever come across. Stay inside, do not enter area, keep away. About one hundred feet, depending on the wind.