In this economy, lawmakers are more willing to let people smoke ’em if they got ’em. As recently as last year, many states and major cities seemed ready to adopt indoor smoking bans.
But the movement to kick smokers outdoors has stalled as the recession worsens and lawmakers fear hurting business at bars, restaurants and casinos.
“This economy, it creates a little more sympathy for the businessperson. So when we say this is going to put us out of business, believe me, they’re listening,” said Mike Moser, executive director of the Wyoming State Liquor Association.
Twenty-three states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, have indoor smoking bans covering bars and restaurants. No one else has adopted a ban in the early weeks of this year’s legislative sessions.
In Colorado, lawmakers are considering easing rules after they banned smoking in most bars, restaurants and casinos.
New Jersey put off a smoking ban for Atlantic City casinos after five of 11 casinos warned they could file for bankruptcy by year’s end. The Associated Press
