Louisiana Senate Moves State Closer To Smoking Ban For Casinos

The state Senate in Louisiana is putting people's health before their freedom of choice. The Senate, on Thursday, approved a proposal that would ban smoking in all bars and casinos in the state.

Senator Rob Marionneaux had proposed the Bill in the hopes of protecting workers from the deadly dangers of secondhand smoke. The proposal was passed by his colleagues by a 22-10 vote, and will now move on to the House.

"I know the cost of freedom, but I also know the cost of secondhand smoke," said Marionneaux, responding to critics who believe that people have the choice not to work in the smoke filled bars and casinos. The opponents of the smoking ban also believe that people have the choice not to patronize the places where smoking is currently legal.

Governor Bobby Jindal does not agree with the proposed law, but he also is not overwhelmingly against it. He has said that if it passes both chambers, he would not veto the Bill.

One of the reasons that the Bill is being proposed is because restaurant owners have complained about the current laws. There is a smoking ban for restaurants that was put in place back in 2007, and it has created an uneven playing field.

"It's the right thing to do, put everyone on equal footing so that no one business is at a competitive disadvantage from another," said Marionneaux.

May 29, 2009
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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