It's a happy day, with First Avenue (my favorite Minneapolis institution) reopening. It's unfortunate, though that their new lease on life is likely going to be cut short March 31st. Already struggling, the mayor, and our city council will further hamper their chance for success with the draconian smoking ban they've irresponsibly enacted. Around the country, small businesses have gone under, and suffered major financial loss due to smoking bans. I don't think First Avenue can withstand the hit. I'll sure miss that club. If it does later close for good, you can - in part - thank Mayor Rybak. Here's a link providing a list of scores of independent and family owned bars and resturaunts severely harmed by smoking bans: http://www.smokersclubinc.com/banloss3.htm
Wishing First Avenue all the best of luck. Dan McGrath Longfellow http://www.smokeoutgary.org ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rybak, R.T." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, November 19, 2004 4:27 PM Subject: [Mpls] First Avenue Ken Peterson is right that people in this community should thank the owners of First Avenue for reopening this landmark. I met with Steve, Byron and Jack last Friday immediately after the bankruptcy hearing to not just thank them, but to discuss ways that we can help them. I'm pleased the city staff moved extremely quickly to help make this work and think it's now time for the community to put our money where our mouth is....Join me at First Avenue tomorrow night where I will not only stage dive but spend some money to support a great institution that is, happily, back in business. R.T. Rybak REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
