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Posted on 06/21/2005 11:16:06 AM PDT by Pyro7480
D.C. Council's Schwartz: Ban alcohol along with smoking in bars
Tim Lemke
Staff Reporter
D.C. Councilwoman Carol Schwartz introduced a bill Tuesday that would ban the sale of alcohol in all bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Suddenly, the debate over a proposed smoking ban in D.C. is getting fun.
In what appears to be a statement against anti-smoking legislation, the councilwoman, D-at large, introduced "the Worker Occupational Safety and Health Amendment Act of 2005, Part II," a response to a public health bill that would ban smoking in bars and restaurants in the District.
"I never thought I could ban drinking just because I didn't like it, but now I know I can," Schwartz says in a lengthy, satirical statement. "The impending smoking ban has empowered me."
It's unclear whether her argument for a drinking ban will change the minds of the nine members of the D.C. Council who support a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants. Schwartz has successfully blocked efforts to institute a smoking ban in each of the past three years and recently introduced compromise legislation to encourage smoke-free bars rather than mandate the practice.
The council could vote on the anti-smoking ban before the July recess.
No word yet on when an alcohol ban could come up for a vote. In a release, Schwartz says D.C. Council Chairman Linda Cropp describes the measure as "very thought-provoking."
Schwartz makes clear that a ban on drinking in bars and restaurants does not mean people can't drink at home and outside.
"It had just never occurred to me that I could simply choose to ban a legal choice for consenting adults in a private place where the public does not have to go, and where workers do not have to work, and then get six other people to agree -- and then just do it," Schwartz says.
The councilwoman says she is now looking at other things to ban, including driving and sex, "for they, too, can be dangerous to your health and the health of others."
Libertarian ping.To be added or removed from my ping list freepmail me or post a message here
Ha!
Good point.
I don't think so.
RTFA
banning bars in bars...gonna be hard to belly up to the bar....
You seem to miss the point. What she's doing is very clever.
Since Washington, D.C. consumes the most alcohol per capita than any other city, I'm sure this has a snowball's chance...
That would hurt. I would lose my $100/month boat slip.
If you haven't seen this yet, you should
Couldn't sex be mandatory as well? Actually, based on your last line, it kind of is...
I'm there.
Gonna be a lot of dropped glasses too.
quite ironic this is Washington, DC, isn't it? I mean, where the hell is Ted Kennedy going to go to get hosed except his house?
Its like I always say if you arent risking your life while having sex then you just arent doing it right. :-)
Never thought I'd see it in Texas..
you coming to my house?
Take Interstate 285 to the first red light, and take a right.
And bring your cigs - and booze, oh, yes, and a lampshade.
"where is Ted kennedy going to go...?"
If this was serious and proposed by a lib then you know it would would not affect the "elite" only we peons.
I like her!
no bars in bars? Guess I won't be falling off any barstools again.
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