[Gabz]

I even like the fact that the Dutch Restaurant Association is challenging the ban (fat chance, I know, but at least they are, unlike the craven, spineless Ass of the USA) based on violation of social moraes and cultural behavior.

Excellent point. Not all, but the VAAST majority of restaurant associations in the states go along with the bans, as long as they are all inclusive, for one reason and one reason only --- they are controlled by the big chains (Applebee's Olive Garden, Lonstar, TGIF, etc) which can weather the initial downturn in business, unlike the corner diner or tavern, thus eliminating the competition with government guns.

[swarthyguy]

I remember when the bans were going in piecemeal in towns around here; the biggest cry was for a level playing field.

Seemed unAmerican to me. Level Playing Field? What about some MBA buzzword signifying competitive differentials?

I was for letting individual establishments decide, and if the traffic was enough, they’d survive, if not thrive.

But I guess I’m out of touch with Modern America.

Yes, as much as I can, I patronize local nonchain establishments.

[Squawk 8888]

they are controlled by the big chains (Applebee's Olive Garden, Lonstar, TGIF, etc) which can weather the initial downturn in business, unlike the corner diner or tavern, thus eliminating the competition with government guns.

The exact same thing happened when Ontario banned the sale of tobacco in drugstores. Canada's largest drugstore chain is owned by this country's largest tobacco company but they supported the ban because it wiped out their independent competitors. It is now almost impossible to find a drugstore here that isn't controlled by one of two major chains.