Michigan Looks to Banning Smoking But Not In Casinos
`Secondhand smoke has produced many arguments over the years. Some believe that it is an important factor contributing to cancer and other smoke-related illnesses. They believe that secondhand smoke may be more detrimental than smoking due to the lack of a filter. A lot of people have deemed the notion illogical and opposing sides keep on facing off against each other for reasonable compromises. The realty is that it’s a deep-seeded debate and it will take time to get through and find a solution.
The latest take on the issue has come from the state of Michigan. Michigan lawmakers are stating that according to a new compromised law, that secondhand smoke is dangerous in all places in Michigan except for on Detroit casino floors. The compromise that was reached this week by lawmakers and it is expected to be signed by Governor Jennifer Granholm.
The new ban is applicable to public places and has one exception—Detroit-area casinos. Smoking will not be allowed at casino bars or restaurants but lobbyists are strong enough to keep the smoking legal on gaming floors. Although Republicans did not agree with the exception, the ban was found to exclude gaming floors. Republicans are trying to support their stance that if smoking is illegal, it should be illegal in all areas of public attendance—and that includes casino floors. This new smoking ban makes Michigan the 38th state to try to ban smoking. The state has become more and more aware of sensitivities to smoking and secondhand smoke. Employees are a focus of the concerns legislators have, citing that they are expected to be around smoke all day long during their shifts. Casinos have lobbied hard to be exempt from smoking bans. They know that smoking is one of the draws of casinos—they are one of the few places where smokers can still be free to light up. They want the draw and to be a haven for smokers.
Some areas like Las Vegas and Atlantic City are blaming smoking bans for a decline in revenues. They are stating that due to the changes in legislation, smokers are opting out of gambling. It was their one safe “haven” where they could smoke and now that legislators are taking it away from them, they are choosing not to patronize casinos.
