Minnesota Gambling Control Board
Suite 300 South1711
West County Road B
Roseville, Minnesota 55113
651-639-4000
March 31, 2008 - Smoking ban study released - A brief review of the fiscal impact of a statewide smoking ban on lawful gambling.
My comments: I did a quick read of the report and it seems unbiased. Note page 17, the St. Paul numbers before and after the local ban and page 19, from areas with no ban before the statewide ban. This seems to mirror the first hand accounts from bars that have been posted here. Below is a report I recieved at 9 AM April 04, 2008
Sent: Tuesday, April 01, 2008 12:39 AM
Subject: Smoking Ban Impact on Charitable Gambling
Hello - I am writing again to bring to your attention the report by the Gambling Control Board on the Impact of the Smoking Ban on Charitable gambling. http://www.gcb.state.mn.us/PDF_Files/Smoking%20ban%20study.pdf In our rural area, Meeker County, many of our communities obtain donations to support youth, community sports, and our citizens special needs. Much of the money is raised by charitable gambling. Notice how Meeker County is mentioned, but it does not mention that the ban only affected restaurants. Many bars obtained exemptions by paying $150 to allow smoking. The County Commissioners repealed the County Ban and deferred to the State Ban that went into effect on Oct. 1, 2007. That is when all the bars went "smokefree" like the rest of the state. I have mentioned for the past couple years in my visits to you at the Capitol, that many organizations and charitable sponsors would be affected by a smoking ban. Now the GCB has a report that appears to support this claim. It is just another bullet in the back for small establishments and our wonderful community organizations. Please consider the fallout from the Smoking Ban and support some relief for the small establishments, our communities and those affected by this law. Thank you again for your time and your hard work on behalf of the business and citizens of Meeker County.
Subject: Smoking Ban Impact on Charitable Gambling
Hello - I am writing again to bring to your attention the report by the Gambling Control Board on the Impact of the Smoking Ban on Charitable gambling. http://www.gcb.state.mn.us/PDF_Files/Smoking%20ban%20study.pdf In our rural area, Meeker County, many of our communities obtain donations to support youth, community sports, and our citizens special needs. Much of the money is raised by charitable gambling. Notice how Meeker County is mentioned, but it does not mention that the ban only affected restaurants. Many bars obtained exemptions by paying $150 to allow smoking. The County Commissioners repealed the County Ban and deferred to the State Ban that went into effect on Oct. 1, 2007. That is when all the bars went "smokefree" like the rest of the state. I have mentioned for the past couple years in my visits to you at the Capitol, that many organizations and charitable sponsors would be affected by a smoking ban. Now the GCB has a report that appears to support this claim. It is just another bullet in the back for small establishments and our wonderful community organizations. Please consider the fallout from the Smoking Ban and support some relief for the small establishments, our communities and those affected by this law. Thank you again for your time and your hard work on behalf of the business and citizens of Meeker County.
Lia NistlerFormer Bar Owner
241 Cedar Avenue South
Watkins, MN 55389
320=764=2530
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