There are times when “government” (at some level) needs to step in and “regulate” businesses, banks, products and such. But from my perspective, a lot of “regulation” is uncalled for, counter-productive and downright destructive. I think back to when I worked at our family business – Chicago Paper Tube & Can Company. “CPT” as we called it – was small. With about 20 employees.

One day the Chicago Fire Department fire inspector came in to check things out. He did a “tsk tsk” and said that we needed to have “aisle markers” – to identify the route one might take to get to an exit in case of emergency. If we didn’t do it within 30 days, there would be a daily fine. So we did it.

Months later, a representative from Illinois OSHA came in. He did a “tsk tsk” and said our aisle markers were inappropriate. He said they needed to be widened by a few inches. We told him that the fire inspector had given the okay to the ones we had. He laughed – “I don’t care what he told you. You change them or we will fine you.” So we changed.

Probably a year later, the federal OSHA inspector came in. Hands on his hips he declared that the aisle markers were all wrong. They had to be of a defined distance. Made of elevated tape protrusions. And of a certain – yellow – Pantone color. We told him that the Illinois OSHA inspector had approved what was there. His eyes narrowed and he spat “if you don’t change it, we will fine you on a daily basis.”

What is a business to do – when regulations at cross-purposes are enforced? What about stupid regulations? Some people believe it is government’s job to impose layer after layer after layer of regulation until businesses are snuffed out, employees laid off and companies leave the city or state for more hospitable climates. Or just die. This is precisely what is happening today in some states today. Stifling – out of control (often unnecessary) – regulation. Can there be too much regulation? What should businesses do when they are regulated out of existence? What should employees do when they are laid off? If you’re a big fan of regulations and government controls – let me know your thoughts.