Casino smoking ban sails through first test in the House

Publication Date: 2007-02-27

• Publication:9 News Denver

A bill that would extend the statewide smoking ban to casinos sailed through the House on its first vote.

It faces another vote before going to the Senate.

The existing ban prohibits smoking in most restaurants and bars. On Monday, casino employees told lawmakers they deserve the same protection afforded other workers.

The House then turned around and gave unanimous approval to a separate proposal that would allow smoking in assisted-living facilities. They say the statewide smoking ban is unfair to people confined to their rooms.