Follow-Up on Work Opportunities for Felons
In a recent post, I commented on how I supported preventing felons from working as bail bondsman, but stated that I did think, on the whole, that we were being too restrictive about which positions that felons can work in once they serve their sentences. So, I was delighted to read that in Kansas City Councilman John Sharpe has introduced legislation changing the city’s liquor code to allow felons to work in bars. I think that this is a very positive change, and I commend Councilman Sharpe. There is no reason that felons who have done their time should not be able to serve drinks, or work in any of the other assorted jobs that are available in bars. (I, myself, used to be a barback and a bouncer — although no, I am not a felon.) I hope this change goes through, so it can give former convicts a few more opportunities to build back their lives after they serve their punishments.
I was also delighted to read the story first at Tony’s Kansas City, which is always informative and fun to read for a number of reasons — which you will discover as soon as you visit.
If an employer is aware of a prospective employee’s criminal past, why is it EVER acceptable for the state to interfere in this private contract?
Comment by vroman — January 13, 2010 @ 9:49 p.m.
It is not hard to think of examples where certain people should be prevented from certain jobs. Serial drunk drivers should not be allowed to drive school busses. Child sex offenders should not be allowed to work in day care centers. Felons of all types should not be allowed to be cops. Most of these examples involve some type of public service, in the same way that bail bondsman work with the public courts. But yes, for the most part we have gone too far, and when it comes to private, not government, employment, the restrictions should be few and far between.
Comment by David Stokes — January 13, 2010 @ 10:22 p.m.
Look at it from the bar owner’s point of view. If a barback with no criminal record takes 20 pickles per night, how many will an ex-con take?
Comment by Don — January 13, 2010 @ 11:50 p.m.
how do expect a ex felon to become a productive member of soceity,if nobody will give him a chance.I am an ex felon and i dont think that its right that we get turn down from jobs
Comment by Tracy — January 21, 2010 @ 5:08 p.m.
“Serial drunk drivers should not be allowed to drive school busses.”
So long as they wait until after school’s out to get their liquor on, no problem. Serial drunk drivers typically don’t crash during business hours. It should be up to judgment of bussing company how much liability risk a DUI offender represents.
“Child sex offenders should not be allowed to work in day care centers.”
Obviously the market would make the same determination without legislative encouragement.
“Felons of all types should not be allowed to be cops.”
Ok, but only because cops are integral part of the legal system of which they are violators.
Comment by vroman — February 21, 2010 @ 3:34 p.m.