Indiana Lawmaker Indicates Secondhand Smoke Is OK In Casinos

Indiana Representative Charlie Brown believes that secondhand smoke is dangerous in all indoor public areas accept casinos. That is what many anti-smoking activists are saying after Brown's latest smoking ban proposal.

Brown is seeking to amend another of his Bills to include a smoking ban in public places. He has agreed, however, to exclude casinos from the ban because lobbyists for the casinos have convinced him that the casinos would lose customers due to the ban.

"This is getting ridiculous in the US," said observer Jacolyn Bishop, "just because of the power of casino lobbyists, they get whatever they want from local governments. You don't see restaurants that are going to lose business being excluded from the proposed ban."

Bishop's point is one that is echoed in many states across the country that have similar bans that exclude casinos. Some are wondering what the exact motives are of the lawmakers creating the smoking ban laws.

"If their (lawmakers) goal is to protect employees from the dangers of secondhand smoke," said Chad Frelish, "what makes casino employees any more worthy of protection from possible health hazards than casino employees?"

While many are outraged at this type of activity, it will not change in the near future. Casinos are quickly becoming the key to lawmakers balancing state budgets and winning re-election, so they will be more inclined to listen to the casino lobbyists when it comes to issues such as smoking bans.

"This whole process in the General Assembly is the friendly art of compromise," Brown, the Chairman of the House Public Health Committee. That title, in itself, has some in Indiana fighting mad.

"This guy (Rep. Brown) is supposed to be looking out for the best interests of public health," said Bishop, "not compromising on what he believes will help save lives."

April 23, 2009
Posted By Larry Rutherford
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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