All The World's A Stage

Group Gets Around Smoking Ban By 'Acting' The Part

Barnacle's Resort in Lake Mille Lacs turned its normal Saturday night business into a play, testing a loophole in Minnesota's smoking ban. The production included programs and buttons that said "Act Now!"

"You are looking at a stage. You are looking at a playhouse," said Mark Benjamin, a nonsmoking lawyer who worked the bar dressed in Shakespearian garb. "Those are not cigarettes -- those are props."

The law allows actors and actresses to light up in theatrical performances -- but it doesn't define what that means. The idea of stretching the definition came to Benjamin at the Renaissance Festival, an annual event where people dress up in costumes.

Hat-tip: Rick Sincere

UPDATE: Thanks, Brett, here's video

We're from the government, and here to help. Posted by John Kranz at February 11, 2008 5:39 PM