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.
As opposed to the Houston TX police who won't enforce the laws against illegal immigrants.
You have already moved to Galt's Gulch. I think you'll find your efforts are far more appreciated there.
I think it's going to take another civil war in this country to straighten some of this crap out.
It will be fought between the people who want to use the jackboots and guns of government to micromanage every aspect of people's daily lives, and the people who just want to be left alone.
(Hint: The people who want to be left alone have all the guns.)
Thanks for the ping, Gabz.
North Dakota legislatures apparently suffer from the same short-sightedness afflicting more liberal states around the country. *sigh*
I could go on, but I've got a headache already.
My list changes from posting to posting.....I'm only just starting to put it in a word document........I'm forever missing someone, somewhere.
I guess there is no crime in Grand Forks.
That's because they know you don't care what they think.
Actually, she is paid to say that. NO WAY can the health facists of the state admit to the fact that people are not happy about this. She is REQUIRED to continue to spread th propaganda that everyone is happy about this.
As possibly the only Freeper who officially resides in Galts Gulch, Mr. Laches is certainly welcome here. He has correctly diagnosed the illness previously known as Socialism.
Oh........My........God!
Pure hysteria, in the truest sense of the word.
Citizen snitches. Shades of World War II Germany and the old Soviet Union.
Remember this next time the local cops moan about how undermanned they are. If they have so little to do that they're out rounding up ashtrays in bingo parlors, crime rates are not a problem and the police do not have a manning problem.
When they try to do it to us in our own homes, that's when it's time.
If you own a combination laundromat and TV repair shop...you might be a redneck.
Those editorial writers need to step away from the koolaid (or meth)
In Delaware they have an 800 "hotline" for the snitches..........and they prominently advertise it on billboards up and down the state.
Delaware has one of the highest cancer mortality rates in the nation.....but instead of dealing with the major air quality problems, because they don't want to offend the chemical industry, they chose instead to put bar owners out of business.
LOL!
Not too long ago, there were places in NM where you could buy gas, ice, a six-pack of beer, a burrito and ammunition......without ever leaving your pick-'em-up truck.
I miss that.
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