Legislature Considers Smoke-Free Casinos

Publication Date: 2008-02-26

• Publication:WFSB, CT

Bill Would Affect Casinos Covered By State Liquor Laws

State lawmakers are being asked to pass a bill that would ban smoking in all areas of the Connecticut's two Indian casinos that are covered by state liquor laws.

"I've always been concerned with the issue of smoking and particularly smoking in the workplace," said State Sen. Mary Ann Handley, who co-chairs the Public Health Committee.

Handley, D-Manchester, said supporters have the opinion from the attorney general that the sovereignty issue does not affect this because the restaurants and bars operate under liquor licenses from the state of Connecticut.

A spokesman for the Mashantucket Pequot tribe, owners of Foxwoods Resort Casino, said the legislature would be getting into territory where there are serious questions about jurisdiction.

If passed, the law would cover restaurants and bars serving alcohol. But Handley said she was unsure whether the smoking ban would also extend to alcoholic beverage service at slot machines and table games.