Smoking ban not the final solution

By the Journal Editorial Board | Sunday, October 26, 2008

Previous Page

Share

• del.icio.us
• Digg
• NewsVine
• Fark

Print

Email

Across the country — Las Vegas and Atlantic City included — smoking bans have been put in place in casinos and, in Deadwood, new momentum is building for similar restrictions.

Patrons of the Deadwood aren’t pleased with the pressure to go smoke free and neither are casino owners. Patrons see it as an infringement of their rights; casino owners see a ban leading to lost gambling revenue.

Smoking in any public place – casinos included — should be discussed. Smoking is clearly a health concern for smokers and those around them. But to simply ban smoking, which is still a legal activity, shouldn’t be the only solution. A better solution is for both sides to meet at the table, discuss the pros and cons of different ideas, and reach an agreement based on manageable facts and not emotion-filled talking points.

Smokers are quickly becoming the most discriminated against class of people in the state, probably the nation. (You know smokers face discrimination when smoking is considered a stigma in a state like Nevada where prostitution is still legal.) Legislation hasn’t been easy on smokers: In 2002, the state made it illegal to smoke in most public places with exceptions for establishments with alcohol, gambling or video lottery; and, just four years later a $1 a pack tax was placed on cigarettes.

It’s an expensive habit, and now one most smokers enjoy outside.

What’s making the discussion about smoking solutions difficult is that opposing viewpoints have picked sides, clinging to their rhetoric and unwilling to back off or show even a bit of reason. Imagine the leap forward the discussion about smoking would take if smokers would say “Yes, I do see there’s a harm in second hand smoke; how can address this?” or a non-smoker would realize smoking is legal, enjoyable for many and just goes hand in hand with some other activities, one of them being gambling.

Smoke free areas (with real walls) and air exchange systems in casinos have some merit as a solution to the smoke issue. A smoke free casino may work and be more profitable; the market would decide.

Deadwood casinos won’t escape the moves to ban smoking. The best they can do is engage in a reasonable discussion to find a solution.

They should spearhead that effort quickly because the health argument is undeniable and they can’t win on that front.

Only by finding solutions together will the future gambling in the state’s casinos include smoking.