DENVER-
A bill that would extend the statewide smoking ban to casinos sailed through the House on its first vote Monday after casino employees told lawmakers 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 the statewide smoking ban is unfair to people confined to their rooms.
Rep. Anne McGihon, D-Denver, said the bill extending the smoking ban to casinos was introduced “for the health of more than 8,000 employees exposed to secondhand smoke on a daily basis.”
The measure (House Bill 1269) faces another vote before it goes to the Senate.
Micki Hackenberger, who represents casinos at the Legislature, said 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 there are 45 casinos in Colorado who deserve the same protection lawmakers gave employees in bars and restaurants last year.
“It’s about creating a level playing field. All of the other gaming facilities are covered by this law,” she said.
Supporters believe they have enough votes to pass the measure in the House, but are uncertain about its prospects in the Senate. The Senate killed the first smoking ban proposal in 2005 but last year voted 19-15 to back the ban, which exempted casinos.
House Minority Leader Mike May, R-Parker, said the primary purpose of the Clean Air Act was to prevent exposure to second-hand smoke. He said exceptions have already been made for a smoking lounge at Denver International Airport for travelers who couldn’t go outside. The measure allowing smoking in assisted living facilities (House Bill 1196) now goes to the Senate.
Lawmakers said people should be allowed to smoke in their own homes, and assisted-living residence who don’t like smoke could choose a nonsmoking facility.
