Klop on WXNT

It was great to tune in to Newstalk 1430-am this morning and hear Brad Klopfenstein on Abdul's show, along with John Livengood. Brad is the former Executive Director of the Libertarian Party of Indiana. He now holds the same position with the Indiana Licensed Beverage Association. Points of interest:

Brad & John pointed to the unintended consequences of the Marion County smoking ban. In particular, the restaurants had to decide- do they continue to permit smoking by excluding patrons under 18 years of age, or do they cater to families and exclude smoking? Many have chosen to exclude minors. Business owners had to decide which demographic, smokers or kids, comprised the smaller subset of their business, and then lose that subset. Not exactly business friendly.

John declared himself a 'civil libertarian' on the issue of smoking. It was an interesting choice of words, as Mr. Livengood was once an elected Democratic official, and that isn't the line most Dems choose on smoking. Sure, he represents the hospitality industry and has to take that position, but the word 'libertarian' was pleasant to hear from him. I hope to word rolls off his lips when he is in touch with his clients discussing political parties that took his side on smoking issues and food & beverage taxes throughout the state.