Controversy Brews Over Backhanded Smoking Deal For Conn. Casinos

Union workers at the two Connecticut casinos are outraged over a deal that has been made between the Governor of the state and the casinos regarding smoking at their establishments. They claim there has been no relief from second hand smoke.

Connecticut was one of those states that created a no smoking law that existed only for businesses that did not generate the type of revenue that casino do. The casino were exempted from the law by agreeing to put in high-tech ventilation systems.

"It's an extremely comprehensive plan that involves a lot more than ventilation. Our plan is to significantly expand smoke-free areas on the gaming floor and also ban smoking in the public areas in Mohegan Sun," said Chuck Bunnell, Chief of Staff for the Mohegan Tribe.

Not everyone is in favor of this new deal between the governor and the casinos. Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is requesting that the legislature finish the deal this year and implement the smoking ban for casinos.

"Our legislature has the authority, and duty, to protect Connecticut workers from public health hazards in tribal casinos. Casino workers should not have to risk their lives for their livelihoods, unnecessarily breathing cancerous secondhand smoke for hours at a time," he said.

In the meantime, workers are not standing pat. They hand delivered a letter voicing their concerns of the new deal to the governor on Wednesday. The governor's office has acknowledged that they received the letter, but have not yet reviewed it.

January 8, 2009
Posted By Larry Rutherford
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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