Minneapolis Star Tribune: Smoking ban workaround catches on at bars across state

You too could be an actor. Just head northwest.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that many local bars are staging "theater nights", which declare bar patrons "actors", allowing them to smoke during what they term theatrical productions.

Under Minnesota state law, indoor smoking is permitted within plays or other forms of artistic expression.

Some bars have reported crowds of four times their regular business during theater nights, but it's expected that the state legislature will act to close the loophole.

Some bars are not taking part in theater nights because they're carving out their niche with non-smokers.

The ability of individual bar owners to run their own businesses will again be curbed, but I'm sure they'll find another way to skirt the law.

Locally, Measure for Measure: Silent and Inert will be staged this Friday at Vince's Other Place in Mount Healthy.