Posted on 08/07/2005 10:13:06 AM PDT by elkfersupper
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) -- The day the Legislature approved a smoking ban for most North Dakota businesses, Dennis Laches put a sign on his laundry and television repair shop, announcing he would close when the ban took effect Aug. 1.
"Nobody knew if he was going to go through with it," said Troy Mosbrucker, the mayor of Mott, a town of about 800 in southwestern North Dakota. "He had a point to prove, and he proved it."
As promised, Laches closed his business that day. He said it had nothing to do with his pack-a-day habit. Rather, he said, it was a matter of fairness.
"The state of North Dakota is attempting to make me discriminate against another person or group of people," said Laches, 59. "I don't believe government of any kind should be allowed to dictate what I do at my own business and my own building."
State officials say they know of no other businesses that have closed because of the new smoking ban, though police have rounded up ash trays in some bingo parlors.
The new state law bans smoking in most public areas and workplaces. Bars are exempt, unless they have a restaurant in the smoking area. Violators can be fined up to $500. A building owner who allows illegal smoking also faces fines of up to $500 for multiple infractions within one year.
Law enforcement officers are trying to adjust to the new rules.
"It's almost embarrassing walking in and being called the smoke police," said Ward County Sheriff Vern Erck said. "We have better things to do, but we'll enforce it."
But health officials say feedback had generally been positive.
"We had some (people) call that are dissatisfied, but it's been very few," said Kathleen Mangskau, director of the Health Department's tobacco prevention and control program.
Two days after Laches closed his shop, an economic development group purchased his laundry machines, mostly to keep the 100 or so visiting custom wheat harvesters in town.
"If they leave town to do their laundry, then they leave the town grocery, the gas station and the cafe," Mosbrucker said. "Everything loses."
Laches said his business was never a moneymaker in the 17 years he owned it. Now, he'll either retire or move to another state to find work.
"If I find a job, it's going to have to be in a state that allows smoking," he said.
No, he's been putting all those quarters into his pocket instead of reporting them all to the IRS. No reason to shoot yourself in the foot now really.
Sad to say, there are some who would think that was perfectly okay. :(
Not normal people (smokers or non-smokers), but...
Yes, and we encountered one such of that type this afternoon :(
Haven't found an argument that works, huh?
Same moonbat from the Jennings thread last night who thought all the anti-smoker comments were just fine - but insisted that any smoker on the thread was trying to make an issue, even when just offering a prayer.
some people have absolutely no cuoth whatsoever.
I could possibly make back some of the money that's been extorted from me in cigarette taxes and torture my subjects, in the name of "science."
Hey, why the hell not?
I LIKE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Too much to assume, the article indicated that another townsmember bought the laundry and complied with the smoking ordnance, to keep migrant workers from going to a nearby town to do their laundry because they would do their eating and shopping in the other town.
Lots of small towns have only enough Laundromat customers to keep one working. If another opens with newer machines, cleaner facilities, and the same price for wash and dry, it will put the older one out of business.
As far as this owner is concerned, I could assume that smokers are courteous of others concerns, and that adequate ventilation is provided to clear out the stagnant smokier air for future customers. The misguided law should be rescinded and property rights reasserted.
And maybe the law did the guy a favor, like laws in California did a favor for me. Upon retirement I took my family and my money and headed out of the state.
I'll put you down as "Research Assistant."
We'll split the beer expense.
Works for me!!!!!!!!
I don't know. I think ol' paulat just likes trying to jerk people's chains for amusement. It's fun to pull back sometimes, so I indulged a little today. :)
Good on ya.
I pine for the America of my youth when freedom lovers weren't the ones who were cut adrift.
If you bestow a similar title on me, I'll bring the chips 'n dip! :)
Two research assistants, and chips 'n dip.
We're talking major cabal here.
I just wish I'd discovered this "science" stuff a long time ago.
Whatever blows up their skirts :)
I'm off to get a chicken in the oven and then attack my basil patch.....FReep at you later :)
Have fun...must feel good to get out in the garden again, eh? :)
Unfortunately this is just my little "kitchen" garden right outside the door - can't get into the big one until after hubby gets home from work - I need a ride out to it, too far to walk across the yard on crutches.
Gabz, have you seen this article? More lawsuits.
United Seniors Association Sues Tobacco Companies To Recover Medicare Costs, Wall Street Journal Reports
August 05, 2005
The United Seniors Association has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Boston against several of the nation's largest tobacco companies, seeking to recover billions of dollars spent by Medicare to treat smoking-related diseases, the Wall Street Journal reports.
The case involves a "little-known but recently strengthened provision" of Medicare law that allows someone to sue on behalf of Medicare when it pays medical expenses that another party was legally obligated to cover -- such as when a corporate health plan has agreed to cover the expenses or when a business or other party has injured a Medicare beneficiary and is liable, according to the Journal.
If the court finds in favor of the [United Seniors] group, Medicare would collect the damages and the group would be eligible for an equal amount.
snip
Good grief..........thanks, I had not seen that - will check out later.
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