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."