Rhode Island Casino Smoking Laws: Rules for Smoking in Enclosed Areas

• Rhode Island casino smoking will remain
• State lawmakers passed legislation limiting casino smoking to enclosed chambers
• The smoking lounges must prevent any flow of secondhand smoke to the nonsmoking areas

In a significant move, Rhode Island lawmakers have chosen to keep smoking privileges in casinos, but only within specifically designated enclosed areas. This decision came during the final session of the year, when state legislators approved a revised bill limiting where smoking will be allowed in casinos

After lengthy discussions and political manoeuvring, lawmakers decided not to enforce a complete ban on smoking at Bally’s Lincoln and Bally’s Tiverton casinos, which are major contributors to the state’s tax revenue.

The new law, referred to as Senate Bill 188, modifies the 2004 Rhode Island Public Health and Workplace Safety Act by revoking much of the indoor smoking exemptions previously granted to casinos. This legislation specifically prohibits casinos from designating separate smoking and non-smoking areas on their gaming floors. Instead, casinos may allow smoking only in a fully enclosed area with appropriate ventilation systems to keep secondhand smoke from entering non-smoking areas.

Pushback from Lawmakers

Originally sponsored by Rep. Teresa Tanzi, the bill underwent amendments that allowed for enclosed smoking spaces, prompting her to withdraw her support. Tanzi, along with other lawmakers, expressed concerns about the health risks posed to casino employees who may be required to work in these smoking areas. The legislation does not clarify whether employees can be mandated to work in these smoking zones.

Despite resistance, Tanzi acknowledged that her colleagues’ compromise reflected the priorities of the casino workers’ union. She was one of the few dissenting votes against the overwhelming support for the bill.

“They came to us asking for $25 million in subsidies, which they deemed necessary. It feels audacious when they stand in the way of workers getting a smoke-free workplace,” she remarked.

Rep. V. Susan Sosnowski, who took over sponsorship of the bill after Tanzi’s exit, stated that the compromise accommodated both the interests of the casinos and the wellbeing of the workers.

“Everyone deserves to breathe clean air at work. We want a viable casino industry for our state’s revenue but also want our workers to remain healthy,” Sosnowski said.

Patti Doyle, a representative from Bally’s, expressed gratitude towards lawmakers for the compromise, highlighting the importance of accommodating smoking patrons.

Where Casino Smoking Remains Legal

According to the latest statistics from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smoking rates are decreasing nationally, with approximately 11.6% (28.8 million adults) identified as smokers in the US today. This figure is significantly lower than the number of smokers recorded in 2001.

A number of states have enacted bans on indoor smoking in casinos; however, several states, including Rhode Island, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Virginia, and West Virginia, still permit smoking indoors. Ownership of tribal casinos allows them the autonomy to decide on smoking policies independently.

With this law’s passage, Rhode Island’s smoking debate continues to intertwine the delicate balance between health concerns and economic interests in the casino sector. The discussion around smoking remains relevant as the state progresses in its legislative session, showcasing the complexities within the industry.

Summary

The approval of Senate Bill 188 ensures that smoking will persist within enclosed lounges in Rhode Island’s casinos but raises questions about worker health and the influence of economic demands on public health policy. As the smoking landscape in casinos continues to evolve, so too does the discussion surrounding the implications for both patrons and employees, reflecting a notable intersection of health and revenue within the gambling industry.