Utah: entrance to bars simplyfied to boost toursim

For 40 years, Utah required customers to become a member of a private club before they were allowed to set foot in a bar. Now this requirement was eliminated in an effort to boost the state's $7 billion-a-year tourism industry and make the state appear a little less quirky to outsiders.

Source: USA today; find article here>>.

"SUIT VS. LADIES' NIGHTS"

As reported by Andy Geller, at the New York Post, "A Manhattan lawyer has filed a class-action suit against some of New York's most sizzling hot spots, such as Copacabana and China Club, claiming their ladies' nights discriminate against men.
Attorney Roy Den Hollander says that by offering lower - or no - admission fees and shorter waiting times behind the velvet rope, the clubs violate the 14th Amendment's guarantee of equal protection under the law.
His suit seeks an end to the practice of admitting women at a lower price than men." Read more>>

"England smoking ban takes effect"

The BBC News reports that "Smokers across England have sparked up at work and in the pub for the last time as the ban on smoking in enclosed public places begins.
The new law, which came into effect at 0600 BST, is intended to cut deaths from second-hand smoke. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland already have similar bans in place.
Many venues held farewell events for the final night of smoking on Saturday, while local authorities are preparing to enforce the ban.
Doctors estimate second-hand smoke kills more than 600 people a year. The government also hopes it will help smokers to quit, and discourage children from taking up the habit."

Along with this, other related news are available in full text.

"Alcohol banned in all restaurants, mosques, schools and residential areas; Bahrain going dry … only the Fives will see 'stars'"

"Bahrain's tourism industry, which has long thrived on visitors from its 'dry' neighbours in the Gulf, faces a tough challenge with the introduction of curbs on alcohol and nightclubs. For now, the 27-kilometer-long (17-mile) causeway linking the archipelago to eastern Saudi Arabia continues to be crowded every weekend as thousands escape the ultra-conservative Muslim kingdom for a break. But by May 1, alcohol will be restricted to five-star hotels and banned in all restaurants neighbouring mosques, schools or residential areas, under a ministerial decision. About 85 non-five-star hotels have been ordered to close nightclubs hosting foreign bands on their premises and to stop selling alcohol if they are in the designated areas."

See more at ARAB TIMES.

Hawaii: no-smoking law to affect tourism?

Hawaii's no-smoking law, which went into effect on November 16, has raised fears Japanese tourists, one of the state s biggest markets, will give the island a miss. The law prohibits smoking in all public areas including airports, restaurants, bowling alleys and malls. It is also now illegal to light up in partially enclosed areas, bars and less than 20 feet from doorways and windows. Thirteen other US states and hundreds of cities are now complying with the comprehensive no-smoking laws.

Yujiro Kuwabara from the Japan Travel Bureau predicts the toughest challenge will be explaining the new rules, especially the small percentage of hotel rooms where smoking is allowed.

Read more here.

Radical Changes to Liquor Licensing Law

The Home Secretary has unveiled plans on April 10 to biggest changes to Liquor Law in England and Wales since 1915 (Scotland has its own system). These proposals include the removal of fixed opening hours and restrictions on Sunday opening. Those restrictions are thought to have encouraged binge drinking. There would also be greater access to pubs for children. This latter measure would reflect mainland European practise and is thought will encourage tourism.
Responsibility for licensing would be transferred from magistrates courts to local government authorities. They would be empowered to impose conditions such as the use of closed circuit TV, employment of registered security guards and soundproofing of premises.
The new law would also contain tough penalties for those engaged in violent or drunken behaviour and those who run unrully premises.

(Originally posted by John Downes)