An Ol’ Broad’s Ramblings
More Consequences From the Nannies
Smoking ban flaming out some restaurants, igniting others
Rob Forsyth has watched more alcohol age behind his bar, more drinks go unmixed and more plates stay clean since Tennessee’s statewide smoking ban started.
He’s watched his wallet get thinner, too.
Forsyth, the day bartender at Sportsman’s Grille in Nashville’s trendy Hillsboro Village, said his income has been cut in half since the smoking ban became effective Oct. 1 and chased customers — and tips — away.
He’s not alone.
For every business that’s flourished under the ban, there’s another losing money because customers can’t light up. The losses have trickled down to employees like Forsyth, who have continued to spark debate.
“The smoking ban is hypocritical,” Forsyth said. “They’re growing tobacco all over the state, yet they want to tell people they can’t smoke. The ban is the worst thing that’s ever happened to the restaurant business. I have bills to pay, but can’t.”
All the nannies in this country keep telling us what we can and cannot do, but they don’t ever bother to think of the unintended consequences, like loss of revenue, or even loss of livelihood. With such a sue happy bunch, how ’bout a few law suits in the opposite direction. Sue Gov. Bredesen, and his minion nannies, for loss of income.
Gov. Phil Bredesen signed the law in June to extinguish most workplace smoking in Tennessee. The ban applies to most offices and businesses, including restaurants.
Some exceptions to the law include businesses employing no more than three workers, retail tobacco stores and places with garage doors. But what’s caused the most uproar is an exemption for bars and restaurants that prohibit people under 21 years old.
Shouldn’t this choice be left up to the businesses? There were already plenty of restaurants that were non smoking, by choice. They weren’t hurting for business, smokers just chose not to patronize them. And if they did, they chose not to linger over dessert and coffee, or an extra cocktail, after dinner. Choice!
Tennessee Restaurant Association President and CEO Ronnie Hart said he is lobbying for the 21-and-up exemption to be eliminated because too many owners are not following the “spirit of the law.” He said it’s also cost some employees their jobs, as the exemption doesn’t allow the businesses using it to employ anyone under 21.
There was a place in Memphis the Mr and I wanted to check out, but didn’t because we had Jr with us at the time. Make no mistake, we’ll have our Irish fare one of these days. 
I don’t fault the place at all. Besides, when you think about it, if you don’t have small children, odds are, you don’t want to frequent restaurants that cater to small children. If a place is serving alcohol, is it just a good idea to employ those not old enough to serve it?
One more thing the nannies might want to think about the next time they want to BAN something. How much tax revenue is being lost for the state due to their infernal meddling? If a place goes out of business, there are no more taxes being collected on said business. Since everything is taxed in TN, there is significant loss of sales tax.
If you think back to your U.S. history, one of the many reasons we broke away from Britain was because of the oppressive rules, regulations, and TAXES! Consistently raising the tax on every damn thing in the country is bound to have a major backlash. Think about that the next time you decide you need more control over MY life.
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