Casinos balk at smoking ban

Publication Date: 2005-03-18

• Author:Joe Garner
• Publication:Rocky Mountain News (Denver, CO)

But hotel, restaurant groups say uniform policy is preferable

Colorado's casinos aren't going along with businesses that are betting a proposed statewide ban on smoking would be a winner.

"Currently, casinos do not permit smoking in most restaurants and common areas, but I don't know that we would go as far as to support a total smoking ban in areas where gaming occurs," said Lois Rice, executive director of the Colorado Gaming Association. The group represents two-thirds of the state's 45 gambling halls.

The Cripple Creek Casino Association already has lined up with the state organization to challenge a broad ban on smoking in bars, restaurants and other workplaces...

The 520-member Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association and the 4,500-member Colorado Restaurant Association both came out for the proposal...