2003-08-21

Got a light?

Edmonton has a new anti-smoking bylaw now. Basically, to confine smoking to bars, smoking is allowed only in licenced bars, casinos and bingo parlors.

The issue comes with The Keep It Simple Club, which caters to recovering alcoholics; they provide a bar ambience without the alcohol. With the new bylaw in place, they'll have to buy a liquor licence.

I love Alberta Premier Ralph Klein's comment about needing a "stupid rules committee" to deal with situations like this.

The idea of the bylaw is pretty good, though. The Keep It Simple Club, being a singular exception, could just not serve alcohol. (How much does a liquor licence cost, anyway?) Or maybe the City could just give them a liquor licence, or provide one hugely discounted.