January 14th, 2011 – by Glen Farmer
A smoking ban that has been proposed in Indiana has brought debate back to lawmakers. Though this is not the first attempt by lawmakers to pass a smoking ban in the state, some legislators believe that they have a better shot at passing the ban due to an included casino exemption.
Under the current edition of the law, casinos will not be included in the smoking ban. Casinos will not be forced to block smokers from lighting up in their buildings.
Smoking bans have historically failed in the Senate, despite success in the House. It is assumed that Senators have blocked the bill from passing due to casino revenue in the state hurting from the ban.
Opponents to the smoking ban say that casinos in the state could lose millions of dollars, which would subsequently damage the state’s taxed income. Proponents to the smoking ban claim that some people might be more inclined to visit if there is a smoking ban, particularly amongst those who do not use tobacco.
Casino workers have come out to stated that, as non-smokers, they are being subjected to potentially damaging levels of second hand smoke.
There have been a number of lawsuits against casinos over second hand smoke. Though many of these suits have been unsuccessful, some had managed to give millions of dollars in damages to those who had been severely affected.