Smoking ban to be introduced at Iowa casinos?

2008-02-26 09:54:49

Smoking bans have already been imposed at numerous casinos around the world - and now the US state of Iowa may be about to follow suit.

The state had approved a smoking ban earlier in February, however, the legislation contained an exemption for casinos. That clause has now been removed from the bill and it will now be resubmitted, according to the Quad-City Times.

Senator Staci Appel commented: "I think it was only fair - if you can't smoke at a tavern, why should you be able to smoke at a bar at the casinos?"

She added that casino employees are "just as important as any other Iowa worker - and that's what we're out there to protect."

Bans on smoking in public places have been blamed for decreases in casino revenues, particularly in the UK.

Troubled gaming company Rank has suffered huge losses in recent months, much of which are attributed to laws preventing people from smoking.