Same-o, Same-o.
The bars, restaurants, clubs and taverns belong to the Restaurant Association and probably pay some sort of fees.
Members of Unions pay dues as well.
Then, the Association and Union hierarchy (and these are the lib snobs and elites) decide on policy and agenda they want to pursue, even if it contravenes the wishes and desires of rank in file.
We have seen this over and over with regards to how unions support and donate to liberal candidates while rank and file vote the opposite.
What I can't understand (and this has happened over and over and over in all states that have foisted this smoking ban BS) is why more bar, tavern, restaurant owners have not stood up and fought this asinine legislation?
Let's face it, any place is (and has always been free) to make their business nonsmoking. If they felt that would bring in more business, they could have done so anytime.
What I think this is, is that many feel that if they all are forced to abide by the results of the anti smoking zealots and Nazis, then they won't lose quite as much business.
And that is also the reason that even those who don't support this policy, are pushing so hard to have even private clubs included in the bans.
The Maine lawmakers even made all the Vet Clubs smoke free. The VFW, The American Legion......all of them. These men and women fought for what? Freedom? Yea, right. Now it really makes me wonder! Freedom for who? Freedom for me but not for thee!
"What I can't understand (and this has happened over and over and over in all states that have foisted this smoking ban BS) is why more bar, tavern, restaurant owners have not stood up and fought this asinine legislation?"
It has to do with fear. Owners fear becoming different and fear trying anything new, this is why they never choose to go smoke free on their own. Fear is also the reason why no one fights for their rights. They are afraid that business will be taken from them if the county next to theirs does not have a smoking ban. They also fear that their opinion may be different from others in the association. That's why they all end up going for the horrid "level playing field" strategy. It’s just a follow the leader scenario.
Business owners who do not stand up for their rights or who refuse to use their freedom of choice do not deserve to be business owners.