The Providence City Council has passed a measure that bespeaks an astonishing lack of knowledge of economics and/or a cynical appeal for a few votes. To implement this would be nuts.

The measure may even be illegal since it seeks to govern activities on state property. Kudos to Mayor Cicilline for refusing to sign it, in large part because of its dubious legality.

The ordinance would require that employees at any hotel or food-service operation at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, the Rhode Island Convention Center and the Veterans Memorial Auditorium retain their jobs for at least six months after the sale or change in the management of these hotels or food operations. To compound the nuttiness, it would extend this command to any such operations in any buildings linked to the aforementioned facilities by internal walkways, sky bridges or parking lots!

Few businesses would be willing to be hamstrung this way. They couldn’t afford to, especially ones whose main costs are paying employees.

This ordinance is a loud and clear signal to businesses to avoid Providence. It should be killed.