Exceptions Sought For Casinos, Bars, Under New Smoking Laws in Illinois

Illinois is just doing what many state before them have already done. They have put laws in place that call for a smoking ban in all indoor public places.

The ban is causing business to drop in many establishments. Bar and casino owners are looking for some relief to the new laws that have only been in place for a little over a month.

The two groups, along with veterans' organizations are expected to ask lawmakers to ratify the laws to allow for smoking exceptions in some areas. The state General Assembly will be back in Springfield this week and the new law will be one of interest at the meetings.

The whiplash effect is one that is common when these new smoking laws go into affect. "It's February 8th. It went into effect January 1st. Give it a chance. We've only gone thirty some days. I'm not willing to talk about any exceptions until we give it a chance," said one of the creators of the new ban, Senator Terry Link.

The casino industry, which figured to be one of the industries that would be hit hardest by the smoking ban, claims that they have already seen a decrease of seventeen percent in their business this year.

The drop in business could have as much to do with the struggling economy as with the smoking ban. That is why Senator Link has taken his wait and see approach before revisiting the issue.

February 9, 2008
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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