No-smoking bill passed in Indiana
12th February, 2009
Yesterday in Indiana, a bill to ban smoking in public areas was passed by a vote of 7-5.
Despite initial fears that this law would financially hurt casinos, it has been revealed that the bill was heavily amended to exempt casinos and places that employ and serve alcohol.
Casinos will, however, be required to designate 20% of their gaming positions as non-smoking. Casinos will be pleased with the bill and for the time being can breathe a sigh of relief.
Supporters of the smoking ban are less than impressed with the amended bill.
"The committee decided to protect some workers and not others," said Tim Filler, grassroots committee chair of the Indiana Campaign for Smoke -free Air. Mr Filler maintains that it is still possible the bill could be strengthened again once it reaches the House floor.
Casinos might not be out of the woods just yet.
By Annabel
