We May Have Lost in L.A., New York, and Boston, but We Won (Barely) in Cave City!

Jacob Sullum | August 10, 2005

The Bluegrass Institute, a free market think tank in Kentucky, is celebrating the defeat of a smoking ban in Cave City (population: 1,920). Mayor Bob Hunt, who cast the tie-breaking vote, explained: "I voted not to pass a ban because I don't feel like government should tell private business owners who help support the city with their taxes what to do about smoking. I respect those people who see this as strictly a health issue, but I also respect the man who has invested in his business and is trying to make a living." The Bluegrass Institute calls Hunt "courageous" for acting on this increasingly rare sentiment, an accurate but depressing commentary in what is meant to be an uplifting message.

[Thanks to Geoff Segal for the tip.]