The United States Anti-Smoking Organization (ANR) is praising a win in Kansas, where the state Senate recently approved legislation to prohibit smoking within casinos. This statute aims to safeguard the well-being of both staff and guests, and proponents believe it might even draw in new patrons who favor a smoke-free gambling environment.
“We commend the bipartisan assembly of Kansas Senators who acknowledged that casino employees and visitors deserve freedom from inhaling secondhand smoke,” stated Cynthia Hallett, ANR President and CEO, in a press release following the bill’s approval. “Casino staff in Kansas, as they are in an increasing number of states nationwide, have been requesting their legislators to take measures to finally cease indoor smoking.”
The drive for smoke-free casinos has been gaining traction, partly fueled by the endeavors of Gaming Workers Against Smoking Impacts (CEASE) in New Jersey. “CEASE provided the impetus for workers in Kansas,” Hallett observed. “This employee-driven movement, which originated in Atlantic City, continues to expand and proliferate as workers are no longer prepared to select between their health and employment.”
The battle now shifts to the Kansas House of Representatives, who must pass the legislation before it can reach Governor Kelly’s office. “We implore the Kansas House to also ratify this bill and forward it to Governor Kelly,” Hallett urged.
This initiative to outlaw indoor smoking at casinos has been picking up speed across the USA. Last autumn, the casino employees in New Jersey who have been spearheading the campaign declared they were broadening their efforts to other states with substantial gaming sectors. They’ve already established new CEASE branches in Rhode Island and Pennsylvania.
From that point onward, a web of employees in the gambling industry has been established across locations such as Kansas, Virginia, Nevada, and Indiana.
“This is not merely an isolated incident,” remarks Pete Nacarelli, who shares the title of founder with CEASE. “It’s a collective push for change.”
admin