An Inclusive Litany
3/18/98
Two entrepreneurs in Fountain Valley, California, wanted to open a
cigar lounge featuring a gourmet menu, a full bar, and Internet
access. When they applied for a business permit, however, the town's
residents rejected the idea. While locals were concerned about the
cancer-causing effects of cigars and worried over the availability of
parking, they were mainly concerned with the effects of mixing alcohol
and the Internet. "How are we going to protect our women after these
guys get liquored up, look at pornography, and then roam the
neighborhood late at night?" intoned one concerned citizen. Local
police also opposed "uncontrolled Internet access." Detective
Sgt. Paul McGinnis commented, "I've never actually been on the
Internet, but my understanding is that you can get just about anything
you want on there."