Range bar cited for trying smoking ban theatre loophole

Babbitt bar gets smoking citation for "Gunsmoke Monologues"
Will Ashenmacher
Duluth News Tribune - 03/15/2008

What may have been the first ticket issued in connection with a bar hosting a “theater night” to get around the statewide smoking ban is now hanging behind the bar in a Babbitt tavern.

Babbitt police issued a $300 petty misdemeanor ticket Friday to Tom Marinaro, the owner of Tank’s Bar in Babbitt, after receiving complaints that Marinaro was allowing smoking inside the bar. The police issued a short press release, but wouldn’t comment on the tickets today.

Marinaro, like several other bars across the state, had been hosting a play so his patrons could be considered actors and, because of a loophole in the smoking ban, be allowed to smoke indoors. He said he’s been staging the play to recoup business lost because smokers are staying away.