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* I’ve heard that casinos were probably the biggest stumbling block to passing a statewide smoking ban. That situation may be changing, but casino-area legislators may still not be on board yet…
Calling it a strategic move, the co-sponsor of a Senate bill to ban smoking in all public, indoor workplaces in Illinois, said a new amendment would push back the compliance date for casinos.
“We expect to pick up some votes,” Sen. John Cullerton, D-Chicago, said. “If you don’t pass the bill then the whole thing is a delayed effective date.”
Sen. Terry Link, D-Vernon Hills, sponsor of the legislation, said the amendment is a compromise for members who expressed concern about unfair competition for casinos that border other states. When Senate Bill 500 was debated in committee, several senators said those casinos would face unfair competition from states that do not have smoking bans, he said.
“We’re answering the concerns,” Link said. “They all feel that within a three-year period the other states will be non-smoking, too. So then, it’ll be an even playing field.”
* And the Sun-Times editorializes today in favor of a statewide smoking ban.
But though we wish the act included a provision similar to the one in Chicago’s ordinance permitting smoking in tobacco shops/bars where 65 percent of the sales are of tobacco or tobacco accessories, we believe its time has come and urge its passage. Twenty-one other states have responded to popular consensus on this issue. It’s time Illinois did, too.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Mar 28, 07 @ 8:37 am
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I don’t understand how Cullerton and Link can recognize that this bill will adversely affect the casinos yet not understand its adverse affect on bars.
Comment by WTF! Wednesday, Mar 28, 07 @ 9:00 am
DO IT!
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Mar 28, 07 @ 9:06 am
Casinos stumbling blocks? I can see that why in casino’s you can put all your addictions (free booze, gambling, smoking)into one basket and enjoy.
Comment by JW Wednesday, Mar 28, 07 @ 10:53 am
Maybe the people can start placing bets (like in England)on who gets lung cancer first: the bettor, the gaming staff, or poor saps who have to endure this abuse. The first and last time I was on a gambling boat (Peoria), I saw a woman at the slots who had an ashtray overflowing with butts, smelled like she hadn’t bathed for a week, and was drunk on top of it. Governor, where is your moral outrage now? Nice family values for such a righteous state.
Comment by If It Walks Like a Duck... Wednesday, Mar 28, 07 @ 12:40 pm
The life & health of a casino worker is obvious worth much less than that of a corner pub employee.
At least that is how I see the state’s decision.
Comment by Leroy Wednesday, Mar 28, 07 @ 4:55 pm