Bill banning smoking in Iowa’s casinos takes step forward

[cigaretteman]

Just like bars and restaurants in the state, smoking would be prohibited inside Iowa casinos under legislation that took a step forward Tuesday.



House Study Bill 148 would repeal casinos' exemption from Iowa's smoke-free air law.


Passed in 2008 to protect Iowans from secondhand smoke, the law prohibits smoking in most public places, including restaurants, bars and workplaces. It also prohibits smoking in some outdoor areas. Exemptions, however, were made for gambling floors in state-licensed casinos as well as outdoor patios or decks at bars where food is not prepared on the premises.




Supporters of the legislation, including health organizations, said smoking rates, health care costs and hospitalizations for smoking related health conditions have significantly fallen since the law took effect, making for a healthier workforce and state. It is beyond time, they said, to close what they see as a loophole and protect casino workers from the hazards of secondhand smoke, the same as other workers in the state.


Representatives for Iowa’s state-licensed commercial casinos argued revenues would drop by up to 30 percent with a smoking ban, as gamblers who smoke would go to tribal casinos in Iowa or surrounding states where smoking is permitted.

Smoke-free casino bill moves forward in Iowa House

Just like bars and restaurants in the state, smoking would be prohibited inside Iowa casinos under legislation that took a step forward Tuesday.

www.thegazette.com

 

[HawkeyeShawn]

100% support this. I pretty much refuse to go into an establishment that allows smoking. I used to smoke. Disgusted by the smell of it now.

 

[QChawks]

boomers gonna be pissed

 

[hydro2.0]

Do I like smoke free areas, of course. It’s certainly my preference.

telling business what they can and can’t do, don’t really like it.

 

[Scott559]

I take my Aunt to Prairie Meadow occasionally, They have a smoking section and much larger areas that are non smoking. It’s pretty easy to avoid the smoking section so I really find the bill unnecessary, Maybe all casinos are not laid out like PM, I don’t know.

 

[BonzoFury]

I take my Aunt to Prairie Meadow occasionally, They have a smoking section and much larger areas that are non smoking. It’s pretty easy to avoid the smoking section so I really find the bill unnecessary, Maybe all casinos are not laid out like PM, I don’t know.

Smoking and non-smoking sections are more like smoking and less smoking.

This could be tough for the casinos. They rely on the old Chainsmoking ladies pounding those slot machines for steady revenue.

 

[MitchLL]

Why now for this proposal?????

This State and it's GOP led agenda simply push laws to make it look like they're actually making the State better.

Bunch a worthless people.