Tribal Casinos Exempt From New Smoking Laws In Oregon

The state of Oregon had a new smoking law go into effect with the new year beginning, and business owners have already been preparing to accommodate their smoking clientele. All business owners, that is, except for the casinos run by Indian tribes.

In keeping with the hypocrisy that goes along with smoking laws in the US, Oregon has banned all indoor smoking except in Native American casinos. They are basically taking the stand that smoking is dangerous to workers in most places, but not that dangerous when it comes to workers in casinos.

Most states when they make these voter mandated smoking laws, receive a fair amount of criticism from business owners. That has not necessarily been the case in Oregon, where business owners have done their homework.

"I did some research, and in California and Washington when similar laws were passed there wasn't really a drop off in business, it worked the opposite way just like I think it will go. More adult patrons will want to come in and enjoy the adult atmosphere," Bill Ayotte, owner of the Creekside Pizzeria Restaurant and Lounge told the Seaside Signal.

While smokers around the country continue to try and convince lawmakers that it is their right to pollute other people's lungs, the majority of the people in the nation have taken a stand for their health.

"I am a smoker and I even voted for the public indoor smoking laws. If I need to smoke, I can go outside. I don't want my bad personal decisions to harm other people's health," said Richie Havens.

In Oregon, where business owners are more laid back than in other states, they have taken the new smoking law in stride, some even believing their business will pick up a a result.

Ayotte is thinking that with the smoking law in place, more people who stayed away because of the smoke will now come out and enjoy his restaurant's food. It is a sentiment that is shared by many restaurant owners in Oregon.

January 2, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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