Now and then a local news story will feature an idea or quote from a local pol that seems so familiar. Here’s an example from a KTRH-740 story on the latest smoking ban debate:
Meanwhile, Council Member Jarvis Johnson advocated making bar owners pay a yearly permit fee to the city, and accept more stringent health requirements, in exchange for Houston allowing those businesses to take down the “no-smoking” sign.
“I want Houston to go smoke-free,” said Johnson, “but if an establishment wants to be a smoking establishment, that is their right.”
What a fine, Mayor White-style idea! A new revenue stream! But why does it ring a bell?
Dermatologist-Councilwoman Gibbs has led the charge on this matter, calling for an outright ban.
We think Mayor White could reclaim this issue, and give it his signature touch. That’s right — why not turn it into a possibility for a new revenue stream?
Ban smoking outright for now. Allow restaurants that meet certain specifications to allow smoking in designated parts of their restaurants. Create a new “Smoking Establishment Permit” and accompanying bureaucracy for the thing! There you go — a new revenue stream AND cleaner air!
Mayor White’s thinking small on this one. In a city that has a sign inspector and that requires delivery trucks to pay for loading zone permits, surely our creative mayor can figure out a way to squeeze restaurants that would like to allow patrons to smoke.
Because Kevin Whited suggested it one and a half years ago.
