Wider smoking ban advances

Steven K. Paulson, Associated Press

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

A bill to extend the statewide smoking ban to casinos sailed through the House on its first vote Monday after casino employees told lawmakers that they deserve the same protection afforded other workers.

The House then turned around and gave unanimous approval to a separate proposal that would allow smoking in assisted-living facilities.

They said that the smoking ban isn't fair to people confined to their rooms.

Rep. Anne McGihon, D-Denver, said that the bill to extend the smoking ban to casinos was introduced "for the health of more than 8,000 employees exposed to secondhand smoke on a daily basis."

House Bill 1269 faces another vote before it goes to the Senate.

Micki Hackenberger, who represents casinos at the legislature, said that lawmakers are removing one of the last vestiges of freedom for people who want to go to casinos to gamble and smoke.

"If the government wants to ban smoking, it should make tobacco illegal," she said.

Stephanie Steinberg, a founder of Smoke-Free Gaming, an advocacy group for gaming employees and patrons, said that Colorado casinos deserve the same protection that lawmakers gave employees in bars and restaurants last year.

Supporters believe they have enough votes to pass the measure in the House, but are uncertain about its prospects in the Senate.