| As if the impacts of the deepest recession and | | | | restrictive city ordinances regarding the |
| highest unemployment rates we've experienced in | | | | construction of these smoking areas have done |
| years aren't enough, Minnesota bar owners have | | | | nothing but add fuel to the flames. A very high |
| had to deal with the timing of a trifecta of recent | | | | percentage of their smoking patrons have decided |
| setbacks as well. The State lowering the legal limit | | | | to stay home as opposed to dealing with these |
| for drunk driving from .10 to .08, the State | | | | changes. Many in the State Government |
| Smoking Ban and the tremendous increase in | | | | contended that the non-smokers would more |
| insurance premiums have dealt many bar owners | | | | than replace any fallout from smokers when |
| with challenges that far exceed what the average | | | | pertaining to this State Ban on small bars and |
| small business owner has had to endure during | | | | private clubs. |
| these economic times. Many are asking | | | | OOPS, swing and a miss! |
| themselves, what's next? | | | | As far as insurance premiums go, the |
| The lowering of the legal limit makes perfect | | | | skyrocketing costs are the highest of most small |
| sense in keeping drunk drivers off our roads. It | | | | businesses in the country. |
| has drawn attention to the importance of | | | | How many more obstacles do these owners |
| designating sober drivers when reveling with | | | | have to endure before they're given a glimmer of |
| friends or pre-planning for transportation home if | | | | hope? They have been a focal meeting |
| out alone. It's just unfortunate for their industry | | | | environment for many towns and neighborhoods |
| that the timing has come during the midst of the | | | | over the years and deserve a fighting chance to |
| worst economy we've experienced in our lifetime. | | | | exist. |
| The State Smoking Ban came on the heels of | | | | The establishments that offer good food and/or |
| many bar owners recently investing thousands of | | | | charitable gambling have a small advantage, but |
| dollars in smoke filtration and air exchange | | | | many of these businesses are in need of new |
| systems to alleviate the smoking concerns from | | | | marketing strategies to compete and regain their |
| some of their patrons and staff members. Now, | | | | lost business. Many hope these strategies will |
| many are forced to spend thousands more on | | | | turn-around the devastating declines they have |
| outdoor smoking areas to keep as many of their | | | | had to endure, which have been multiplied times |
| regulars as they possibly can. Highly ridiculous and | | | | three by these recent setbacks. |