Senate To Vote On Smoking Ban, Includes Casinos

Publication Date: 2006-02-27

• Author:Raj Chohan
• Publication:(CBS4) DENVER

The state Senate was expected to vote Monday on a proposed statewide smoking ban that would govern most workplaces including casinos.

Casinos have been fighting to get an exception from the proposed ban. The casino companies said the ban would hurt their business and lower state tax revenues. Casinos argue that most of the state's gamblers are smokers.

"Some people just won't come gambling because gambling and smoking go hand in hand," Ed Smith, a casino owner said.

Groups that support the smoking ban said that second hand smoke is a serious health hazard for casino workers and those employees need protection

"Everybody deserves the right to breathe clean air where they work," Stephanie Steinberg of Smoke-Free Gaming of Colorado said.

Casinos in the state have been successful in the state House where a bill passed earlier this month that exempted casinos from the smoking ban.

If the Senate bill passes there would have to be a compromise with the House over the exact exemptions from the smoking ban.

Other proposed exemptions include cigar bars, businesses with fewer than 3 employees and the smoking lounge at Denver International Airport.