Theater Night Update 4-17-08

From: Sheila Kromer
Sent: Friday, April 18, 2008 12:59 AM
Subject: Theater Night Update 4-17-08


Hello Everyone -
It's time for another update. As you know, Robert Ripley (of Bullseye Salon in Elko) was served an injunction by the MDH to stop theater nights on the basis of irreparable harm. This week Robert was very busy interviewing several attorneys to fight the injunction. As of today, Robert has retained a very good attorney to represent him and I might add all of us, his name is Patrick H. O'Neill, Jr. In addition, Mark Benjamin will be aiding in this case as well. It is imperative that we band together and help Robert out with the financial expense. This is not just for Robert but for all of us, we are all in this together. This is an investment in our future, when we win this case, we will no longer have to suffer or endure the intimidation and scare tactics of the MDH. We will be able to continue "theater nights" and keep our businesses going legally. We have called the MDH's bluff and they are afraid of losing, of which there is a high probability they will (lose that is!) The Defense of Rights Fund http://DefenseofRights.com that was started will be used towards Robert's legal expenses (i.e. attorney). We will be sending him an initial payment tomorrow. The total attorney fee will be $12,000. I know this sounds like a lot, but if we all kick in and solicit donations from our bar patrons we should easily be able to come up with this amount if not more. Just as an example, if each bar had a donation jar and 50 people contributed $10.00 that would be $500 per bar and if we had 50 bars collecting donations that would total $25,000. I know that some of you have already contributed to the fund and we thank-you very much. Robert is also planning a "Smoker's Rally" at his place either on April 26th or May 3rd. This should raise more in legal defense funds and should be a lot of fun. As his plan becomes more concrete we will let you know the exact date. Several bands have offered to play for free and others have volunteered to help as well. Let's spread the word and make this a huge success!
This is a call to action, we have a great chance of winning but we cannot do it alone. Please get those donation jars up and running. It will take all of us to do this and believe me, we have come this far and we are not going to quit !!! It's time to say enough is enough and we are fighting back!
Thanks everyone,
Sheila, Robert and Mark

Donations can be sent to:
Minnesota Tavern League
235 East Roselawn Suite 17
Maplewood, MN 55117

(Make checks payable to Minnesota Tavern League and indicate it is for the Defense of Rights Fund)