Posted on 06/21/2005 11:16:06 AM PDT by Pyro7480
D.C. Council's Schwartz: Ban alcohol along with smoking in bars
Tim Lemke
Staff Reporter
D.C. Councilwoman Carol Schwartz introduced a bill Tuesday that would ban the sale of alcohol in all bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Suddenly, the debate over a proposed smoking ban in D.C. is getting fun.
In what appears to be a statement against anti-smoking legislation, the councilwoman, D-at large, introduced "the Worker Occupational Safety and Health Amendment Act of 2005, Part II," a response to a public health bill that would ban smoking in bars and restaurants in the District.
"I never thought I could ban drinking just because I didn't like it, but now I know I can," Schwartz says in a lengthy, satirical statement. "The impending smoking ban has empowered me."
It's unclear whether her argument for a drinking ban will change the minds of the nine members of the D.C. Council who support a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants. Schwartz has successfully blocked efforts to institute a smoking ban in each of the past three years and recently introduced compromise legislation to encourage smoke-free bars rather than mandate the practice.
The council could vote on the anti-smoking ban before the July recess.
No word yet on when an alcohol ban could come up for a vote. In a release, Schwartz says D.C. Council Chairman Linda Cropp describes the measure as "very thought-provoking."
Schwartz makes clear that a ban on drinking in bars and restaurants does not mean people can't drink at home and outside.
"It had just never occurred to me that I could simply choose to ban a legal choice for consenting adults in a private place where the public does not have to go, and where workers do not have to work, and then get six other people to agree -- and then just do it," Schwartz says.
The councilwoman says she is now looking at other things to ban, including driving and sex, "for they, too, can be dangerous to your health and the health of others."
WASHINGTON (AP) - Continuing her fight against the District's proposed smoking ban in bars and restaurants, Councilwoman Carol Schwartz is proposing to ban all alcohol sales as well.
Her proposal imitates the arguments for a smoking ban, citing health concerns, worker safety and the simple fact that she just doesn't like people who drink. A vocal critic of a smoking ban, Schwartz gave a long speech on the issue this morning as other council members shook their heads.
The lone Republican on the council, Schwartz says she never thought she could bring back prohibition.
Schwartz says people are killed by drunken drivers. And she notes that people could still drink in their homes -- for now. Council Chair Linda Cropp is referring the alcohol bill to committee -- calling Schwartz's argument was ``thought-provoking.''
what a twit!
Councilwoman Carol Schwartz.
How about a ban on her breathing. Much easier to enforce on one stupid person that a large group of people.
You guys have got to see this - I am laughing so hard, I am cryin'
Hardly. She's showing the absurd lengths the crusading anti-smoking politicians are willing to go.
notice how the first arcicle refers to her as "D- at large) and the second as a "lone Republican".
american journalism at it's best.
I like the way this Carol Schwartz thinks.
Good one ping!
She may be trying to make the point that once they start banning things, where are they going to stop. That may be the point of her "bring back Carrie Nation and the Volstead Act" speech.
Read the article carefully. She is opponent of the smoking ban, and is making a point. I had the same reaction at first.
It is the logical extension of smoking bans
Are you sarcasm-challanged? She is demonstrating the idiocy of smoking-bans.
Careful, pilgrim, before you belittle her intelligence, given that you were unable to see the satirical nature of what she is proposing.
Or perhaps you were one of those who thought Swift actually wanted to BBQ Irish babies.
And over the weekend the car of the DC Police chief was stolen. Right in front of his house.
Welcome to Washington, DC - where liberals reign and hope is on a short leash. This city is a mess.
You disagree with demonstrating absurdity by being absurd?
Show how ridiculous these bans are. I don't smoke, and don't like it that much when I'm around it. But it's a legal activity, and the owner of the establishment should have the right to determine whether or not smoking is allowed. The market will determine which is the proper course of action.
Read the article carefully.
I'm slow today. On second reading I thought this had to be from scrappleface.
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