Editorial: Listen to South Dakotans: Don't alter smoking ban

Publication Date: 2011-01-08

• Publication:Sioux Falls Argus Leader

Some West River legislators, in particular, seem shocked to find gaming revenues down in Deadwood and video lottery play decreased across the state since voters approved a smoking ban Nov. 2.

Clearly, they say, something must be done, so they plan to push new legislation that would provide for exemptions.

Perhaps they're overlooking what's truly obvious: that this topic has been thoroughly vetted, and voters' response isn't even close to being questioned.

It's incredible that legislators even would consider thwarting the will of the people - and only two months after the smoking ban extension passed, nonetheless....

The long-term effects on lottery revenue because of the smoking ban extension remain uncertain.

What is certain, though, is that voters already have spoken - decisively.

Remaining opponents of the expanded smoking ban need to listen and let it go.