Louisiana House Votes For Smoke Related Health Hazards In Casinos

The Senate in Louisiana put people's health before the rights of business owners when they voted in favor of a smoking ban for both casinos and bars in the state. The House did not share those views, however.

On Tuesday, the House voted to ensure that smoke filled rooms will be the norm at least until the next legislative session. They voted 71-29 against a Bill that would have authorized the ban.

"It's vital to the health of this state that we move in the direction of the rest of the nation," said Representative Gary Smith, who sponsored the smoking ban Bill, "that we protect our employees and we provide a level playing field for our businesses."

Smith was speaking about the dozens of other states that have made the move towards cleaner air. With over twenty-four states having some form of a public indoor smoking ban, it is clear that Louisiana has some catching up to do.

That will most likely not take place in this session. The only chance the smoking ban had of passing this session was for the House to vote in favor of the latest Bill.

The House may still want a smoking ban, but they have been reluctant to include casinos in the ban. Their feeling is that casino revenue is more important to the state than looking out for the health of their residents.

June 3, 2009
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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