Beaver Dam update: we’re in the clear

At least for now, Beaver Dam is off the endangered list. This is from WBEV radio:

“Beaver Dam bar owners and members of the city council met last night to discuss the rumored citywide smoking ban and its potential effect on the business community.  Among those in attendance was the president of the Tavern League of Wisconsin, Rob Swearingen who says the citywide ban would tear the community apart, making Beaver Dam an island surrounded by communities without smoking bans. John Biel hosted last nights gathering at his establishment, John’s Bar, which is located in the Town of Beaver Dam and would stand to financially benefit from an influx of smokers were a citywide ban to pass.   Biel says that while he is no supporter of the statewide smoking ban, but the non-smoking islands created by a citywide ban would devastate mom and pop taverns.

Of the eight city council members present, only Alderman Aaron Onsrud had at one time supported a citywide smoking ban; Onsrud tells us he consulted the city attorney about the ordinance process and got sample ordinances from other Wisconsin communities before later determining that a citywide ban was not good for Beaver Dam right now. Onsrud does support a compromised statewide ban and other alderpersons last night indicated that the issue should be addressed in the state legislature, not in municipalities that risk jeopardizing local businesses.  At present there is no such ordinance being considered by the city council or by a committee.”