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Louisiana Refuses to Consider Expanding Smoking Ban to Casinos
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA --
While many states that initially exempted casinos and gambling venues from laws barring smoking in public places have reconsidered under pressure from smoking fascists pushing their lifestyle on others, Louisiana recently bucked the trend and refused to change its smoking law, which allows smoking at bars and gaming venues.
The Louisiana House crushed a bill seeking to expand the smoking ban, not even allowing it to escape committee and get a vote on the floor. That was after making changes to a stricter smoking bill, which lost 71 to 29.
Smoking ban advocates say their campaign is based on providing health to the community, whether they like it or not. But establishments wanting to make their own choice as to what conditions to set for smokers say its a matter of economics.
National figures show revenue declining by double digits at casinos when smoking privileges are withdrawn. Further, some are saying private owners on private land should be able to self-determine without government interference.
“This is about choice,” said state Rep. Robert Johnson. “It seems to me that we should leave it up to the owners of bars.”
But opponents of smoking freedom blamed the defeat on gambling's influence, refusing to accept that people might prefer freedom to forced health. Representative Rob Marionneaux was particularly disappointed and claimed the casinos beat his bill even after he offered a version that didn't change casino rules, and it was still thumped.
“I have heard the drum beat behind me. The dice-hall boys have won again,” said Marionneaux.
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Recent Comments
| Posted by Bob Crandall on 06/11/2009 09:25:23 PM EST |
| Way to go Louisiana. Keep up the American way. One few states left doing so. Individual choice is what this country is all about. |
| Posted by Linda Kidd on 06/03/2010 11:09:06 AM EST |
| I AGREE! It is our right and OUR decision to smoke or not. And private owners on private land SHOULD BE allowed to have smoking areas if they choose. They are the ones putting their own dollars in a business, so they should decide. And if non-smokers do not want to be around smoke, then DON'T GO TO A PLACE THAT ALLOWS SMOKE! Its that simple. Us smokers have our rights too and I am so tired of not being able to go out and have a nice dinner with cocktails and enjoy a cigarette if I want too. I thought we lived in america. The government has no right to tell business owners whether they can have smoking or not. And if there is a petition to allow private restaurants and business owners to allow smoking again, please pass it on to me. |
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