Jump to full article: Ban the Ban Wisconsin, 2009-05-29
Author: Posted on May 29, 2009 by Marshall
Intro: In a way I do understand why the tavern league caved in. This is probably the weakest anti-smoking law in the nation. The fine is minimal for the taverns and there is no threat of loss of license to the taverns. I understand. From the Tavern League.
Our objective was to defeat the smoking ban and when that became unachievable we tried as best we could to do what was in the best interest of the Membership.
While I agree under the recent political climate that the ban was inevitable I disagree with their reasons for caving in. For one thing if the ban would have been effective immediately the obvious economic ramifications would be obvious before the next elections. It is common knowledge that the effects of a smoking ban for bar owners are the worst in the winter. So the effects will not take effect until after the next election cycle. The tavern league conceded to the ban. What they do not realize that with that concession that the anti-smoking activist will whittle it down from there. . . .
The bottom line is if the Tavern League would have held the line and brought up the fact that there was no time for public opinion there was no fair hearing. It was all decided within 24 hours behind closed doors. This alone would have been enough to sway public opinion. If they would have fought hard against i being put in the budget would have exposed Doyle for the political activist that he is.
The bottom line is that the tavern league betrayed their constituents. I for one am looking for a tavern league that has a long term goal. Not one that caves in to the political whims of the temporary.
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