Social pressure plays a significant role in dictating human behavior. To be sure, this is the force that keeps us driving at or just above the speed limit. It is the thing that makes us all drive on the right side of the road. As such, governments pass laws that help formalize social pressure. Often those laws tell us what we already know: murder, stealing, swindle and so forth are intrinsically wrong.
One such issue that NYC has experience with, for example, is that of alcohol regulation. NYC’s huge public events, large population, and numerous establishments that sell alcohol demand thorough and well thought out laws. One such item Duluth ought to take note of is that NYC allows - and even promotes - the sale of alcohol at three different restaurants within Central Park. You can buy liquor within the park at the Loeb Boathouse, Sheep Meadow Café, or at the Tavern on the Green.
NYC has learned that simply restricting the sale of alcohol to certain areas does not lessen the problems associated with alcohol.
I am not trying to argue that alcohol does not cause problems. Clearly, there are too many alcohol related deaths on our highways. Yet, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s March 18, 2007 editorial, “Don’t Start or Stop with Grocer Wine Sales,” alcohol related problems are not solved by the restriction of alcohol sales – this is the remaining lesson of Prohibition. Apparently NYC has taken this to heart by allowing and even promoting the sale of alcohol within Central Park. Seemingly, teenagers and children playing in and nearby Central Park have been neither harmed nor suffered alarmingly higher rates of alcoholism.
Councilor Krause should take notice. He is the single vote standing in the way eliminating Prohibition era language in our Duluth city charter. Although merit can be found in councilor Krause’s concern about the effects of alcohol abuse, allowing this newly discovered language to stand in the City Charter will only harm Duluth. Unless Krause votes with the council on March 26th to eliminate the language from the Charter, Duluthians could see the potential closure of any establishment that sells or serves liquor if it is near parkland. This includes bars, restaurants, or liquor stores nearby the Lakewalk, Canal Park, and even those in the vicinity of Memorial Park in West Duluth.
A no vote by Councilor Krause would allow the language to stand and would result in several things. First, our city attorney’s office will have to search all city property deeds and review city council minutes back to 1912 to establish if they are deemed “parkland.” Second, any liquor selling establishment deeming to be in violation would lose its license. Lastly, Duluth
would get another black eye, thereby reinforcing the notion that Duluth is “anti-business.”
Councilor Krause favors sending the Charter language back to the Commission for language
revision. However, the Charter Commission voted unanimously to remove the language. Even former Police Chief and Charter Commission member Eli Miletich voted in favor of eliminating the prohibition era language. The overall sentiment of the commission is that the current language is outdated, onerous, unnecessary, and anti-business. If Councilor Krause thinks the commission favors his prohibition era anti-business suggestion, he ought to reconsider.
Enough is enough. Duluth is already combating an anti-business reputation. It is time the citizens, in a show of solidarity, gather to support local business.
We invite you to participate: On Wednesday, March 21 at 10:30 AM, the Chamber, along with members of the hospitality industry, will hold a press conference at Grandma’s in Canal Park (this is one of the businesses that could be badly hurt). If you are tired of city hall standing in the way of business come to Grandma’s Saloon, located at 522 South Lake Avenue, to show your support for the business owners and all the men and women who work in those businesses. Without your support many of them may have to lay off employees or close their doors.
Feel free to forward this email on to anybody who has a stake in what is happening in Duluth. As well, email Councilor Krause and let him know that you support the many local businesses his vote will hurt. His email is
gkrause@ci.duluth.mn.usClick Here to view the business issues regarding the City of Duluth Charter language.
