Iowa Considers Casino Exception to Smoking Bans

The truth of these laws are that they are anti-freedom laws, in which one group decides to regulate the behavior of another group.

Smoking laws are causing problems for casinos in several states, and now Iowa is trying to find a way to pass a smoking law that does not cripple the state's gambling industry. A bill sponsored by Representative Janet Petersen would outlaw smoking in bars and reataurants, but give exemptions to private clubs and casinos.

Illinois found recently that smoking bans had caused a decline in business and revenue for the casinos affected. Colorado's anti-smoking laws, which went into effect of January 1st, have been ignored by some casinos, as enforcement seems to be an unsettled issue.

If Iowa were to enact a uniform ban on smoking, as the American Lung Association wishes, Indian casinos would not be affected, and therefore given an advantage over the state-licensed casinos. The president of the Iowa Gaming Association, Wes Ehrecke, said business would suffer significantly if smoking were disallowed, due to losses of customers to out of state casinos as well as to Indian gambling establishments.

State revenue would also decline, as the casinos paying taxes to the state are the ones which would be held accountable under a smoking ban. 

The Iowa Restaurant Association is for allowing each business to determine its own status. However, if a bill is passed, the restaurant group would prefer a uniform code, to prevent competitive advantages by one establishment over another.

Smoking laws are passed under the guise of workers' rights, defending employees from second-hand smoke. Still, people choose where they want to work, and are free to find smoke-free employment elsewhere if they don't like the conditions at a bar or casino. The truth of these laws are that they are anti-freedom laws, in which one group decides to regulate the behavior of another group. Smoking bans should be rejected anywhere they are proposed, with the exception of public buildings and property; private businesses should have the right to determine what conditions are best suited for their individual clientele.