Anti-Smoking Nazis: The New Victorians
Rocky Mountain News-
State gambling regulators are at a loss about what to do with a Black Hawk casino that claims it's exempt from the statewide smoking ban.
The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission said Thursday it wants to hear from its attorney on whether it has any authority to enforce the smoking ban, and whether the Wild Card Casino is violating the law. The casino claims it qualifies as a cigar bar, making it exempt from the smoking ban.
Critics claim the casino is exploiting a legal loophole. They told commissioners they have the power to enforce the ban and should revoke or suspend the casino's gaming license.
"We're not sure why this has continued to go on," said Stephanie Steinberg of Smoke- Free Gaming of Colorado. "It's your duty and responsibility to enforce this law."
Ed Smith, owner of the Wild Card Casino, did not immediately return a phone call.
Colorado's casinos, which are limited to Central City, Cripple Creek and Black Hawk, were initially exempt from the statewide smoking ban when it took effect in 2006. But on Jan. 1, the ban was expanded to include them. The smoking ban has a few exemptions, including one for cigar bars.
Steinberg said the Wild Card is the only casino that continues to allow smoking.
State gambling regulators are at a loss about what to do with a Black Hawk casino that claims it's exempt from the statewide smoking ban.
The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission said Thursday it wants to hear from its attorney on whether it has any authority to enforce the smoking ban, and whether the Wild Card Casino is violating the law. The casino claims it qualifies as a cigar bar, making it exempt from the smoking ban.
Critics claim the casino is exploiting a legal loophole. They told commissioners they have the power to enforce the ban and should revoke or suspend the casino's gaming license.
"We're not sure why this has continued to go on," said Stephanie Steinberg of Smoke- Free Gaming of Colorado. "It's your duty and responsibility to enforce this law."
Ed Smith, owner of the Wild Card Casino, did not immediately return a phone call.
Colorado's casinos, which are limited to Central City, Cripple Creek and Black Hawk, were initially exempt from the statewide smoking ban when it took effect in 2006. But on Jan. 1, the ban was expanded to include them. The smoking ban has a few exemptions, including one for cigar bars.
Steinberg said the Wild Card is the only casino that continues to allow smoking.
posted by Eric Damian Christen at 6:27 AM
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