Minneapolis Earplug Mandate?

Free earplugs may soon be a requirement if a proposal up before the Minneapolis City Council passes.

Sponsors of the ordinance insist it's all about hearing loss, but opponents argue it's government once again sticking its nose in where it doesn't belong.

The ordinance would require nearly every music venue, and nearly every bar and club in Minneapolis to make earplugs available to patrons free of charge.

The Miracle Ear Foundation, along with 3M, are funding the campaign, hoping to make hearing protection "cool and fashionable" - like wearing sunglasses.