Thursday, 12 October 2006
Mayor Abramson Makes A Stand
« Judicial Races | Main | 2008 Presidential Field Narrows »I was surprised to read the headlines in the Courier Journal that stated that Abramson threatened to veto the smoking ban in Louisville. I thought WOW. Abramson is standing up for property rights and small business owners. I never thought I would see the day. Not only did Abramson make a stand, but he took an actual conservative position
Of course, I was immediately disappointed when I read the details. It turns out, Abramson wasn't threatening the veto on behalf of business owners. No he was threatening a veto of the measure because it didn't go far enough in denying rights. Ugh!
The original compromise would ban smoking in all buildings with two exceptions. The first was for businesses that install a separate ventilation system. The second was for Churchill Downs. Our Mayor didn't feel that went far enough. He wanted a ban on all buildings with the lone exception of Churchill Downs. Anything less and he said he would veto the ordinance.
Unfortunately, the ordinance which bans smoking in all buildings except Churchill Downs passed tonight 19-5. Unfortunately, only four Republican's on the council voted against this farce.
It will be interesting to see how this ordinance effects local bars. The biggest winner is going to be Fourth Street Live which is "outside" in the enclosed areas around the bars. Making it the only enclosed place to smoke in town. The big losers will be the smaller bars on Bardstown Rd that don't have any outside areas for clients to smoke. Customers will flee them to find more smoking friendly facilities.
UPDATE 10/13What about all of those companies that added seperate ventilation systems the last time the council passed an ordinance against smoking. I guess they are out the $20K they paid for the upgrade. Talking about getting screwed. Thanks Metro Council! You are truly a friend of business.
