TALLAHASSEE RESTAURANTUERS LAMENT LOSS OF BUSINESS

Tallahassee bar and restaurant owners are complaining about a heavy drop in business since legislators passed a law banning free meals and gifts from lobbyists.

According to the story in Sunday's Orlando Sentinel, capitol bureau chief John Kennedy reports:

The Capitol cafeteria is reporting longer lines. House members and staff are kicking into a petty-cash fund to buy lunches most days. And a Wednesday-night pickup basketball game, featuring legislators, staff, lobbyists and the occasional reporter, also has become well-attended.

"You can't eat, so you might as well play ball," said Rep. Carl Domino, R-Jupiter.

I wonder if Representative Domino has ever heard of this wonderful, unique concept called "Dutch treat", where each diner pays for their own food and drink.

There was a good reason for lawmakers to pass some of the nation's strictest laws regarding legislators and lobbyists, as Kennedy well notes:

Florida's biggest tax increase -- the 1987 services tax -- was written over pizza and beer during a closed-door huddle with lawmakers gathered at a lobbyist's Tallahassee town house. And 15 years ago, two dozen lawmakers pleaded no contest to criminal misdemeanor charges for failing to report costly trips and gifts provided by lobbyists, who still outnumber Florida's 160 lawmakers by more than 12-to-1.

The new law was written in the aftermath of four legislators travelling to Canada for a $48,000 golf and sightseeing junket, courtesy of Toronto-based Magna Entertainment, owner of Gulfstream Park near Hallendale Beach.