Anti-smoking groups try again

Publication Date: 2009-08-26

• Author:Dan Carden
• Publication:Northwest Indiana Times

Proponents of a statewide smoking ban returned to the Capitol this week arguing that air in Indiana's casinos is "very unhealthy" and casino employees should not be compelled to breathe it as part of their jobs...

However, lawmakers on a study committee considering changes to Indiana's gambling laws did not do much beyond listening to the claims.

A smoking ban with exemptions for bars and casinos was approved by the Indiana House this spring, but failed to win approval in the state Senate. That's because casinos and gaming interests are influencing lawmakers with campaign donations, said Cynthia Hallett, executive director of the American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation.

"The millions of dollars spent by the gaming industry in Indiana to influence legislation have had a toxic payout for Indiana's casino workers and the public. When casinos use this influence to defeat a common sense comprehensive smokefree workplace law, the entire state suffers the consequences," Hallett said.