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.
(I'm smoking as I post this--are you in pain?)
Who gives a rat's a$$ what's for dinner if you can't enjoy a good cig or cigar afterward!
I don't support proposed bans on smoking outside or in the sanctity of your car. I don't support bans on smoking in the home.
I want my FReeper smoker friends to "keep on smokin'!" I appreciate the tax money!!!
SMOKE ON!!!
I am your biggest fan!
The menfolk will be out on the deck with their cee-gars...you can be sure of that!!! (Probably with some adult beverages, too....)
Do you have asthma? I have asthma. Some of the main things that aggravate it are perfumes including those in cleaners and personal care products, mold, dust, and tobacco smoke. I don't know about proteins, I just know about asthma attacks.
Yep. I have asthma and allergies. Both were reduced when I smoke.
No, I'm not kidding
Tomorrow, I'm proposing a stiff tax on Alaskan salmon
You are correct........which is why there should be places that prohibit smoking and those that permit it.....the free market is the place.
I will happily pay it...it is one of the joys of life!!
A nervous affection, occurring almost exclusively in women, in which the emotional and reflex excitability is exaggerated, and the will power correspondingly diminished, so that the patient loses control over the emotions, becomes the victim of imaginary sensations, and often falls into paroxism or fits.
Even if it quintuples the price within a couple of years, you are ordered to eat it outside on the patio in Winter?
You bet!!
It's already that way with caviar...which I love, too!!!
Now, isn't that just plain silly?
I eat salmon several times a week and I love it!! Thanks for the support!!
The guys a drama queen!
I smoke several times a day and I love it. Thanks for leaving me alone with my vice. I may consider leaving you alone with yours.
And a good one at that.
BA DA BING!!!!!!!!
Post of the thread!!!!!!!!!
As I have oft stated...I don't support smoking bans in bars and restaurants...I think the free market handles that just fine.
I don't support proposed bans on smoking outside or in the sanctity of your car. I don't support bans on smoking in the home.
I want my FReeper smoker friends to "keep on smokin'!" I appreciate the tax money!!!
SMOKE ON!!!
I am your biggest fan!
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