Rhode Island casino workers are calling for a smoking ban in state casinos. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Get rid of the exception
A group of casino workers in Rhode Island is calling for lawmakers to impose a smoking ban in casinos. Workers staged a rally this week at the Presidential Palace in an attempt to attract the attention of the General Assembly. While a smoking ban in most types of indoor and workplace came into force in 2004, casinos were excluded.
Smoking is still allowed in certain areas
Smoking is still permitted in certain areas of Bally’s Tiverton Casino and Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino. Casino workers claim that their health is negatively affected by second-hand smoke. Vanessa Baker, who has been working in casinos for three decades, suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Despite filing an accident report about second-hand smoke, she is unable to file a worker’s compensation claim. Speaking Thursday, Baker said: “They told me I didn’t have an injury.”
Draw battle lines
Representative Teresa Tanzi sponsored a bill that would Get rid of the smoking ban exception Owned by casinos in Rhode Island. She believes it is a fundamental mistake that casino workers have to deal with exposure to second-hand smoke on a daily basis.
Smoking was not allowed inside Rhode Island casinos for nearly two years during the pandemic. This restriction was lifted on March 1.
Bally’s Twin River Lincoln General Manager and Vice President Craig Sculos spoke out against Representative Tanzi’s bill, saying smoking is only allowed in certain areas of the casino and the second floor is completely smoke-free. He noted that an area on the first floor of the casino hosting video lottery stations and table games would be smoke-free. Scholos also claimed that the casino’s revenue would be significantly reduced as a result of the smoking ban.
Up in the air
Advocates of an expanded smoking ban point to the success of casinos in nearby Massachusetts despite a complete smoking ban. The Rhode Island County Council of Workers represents nearly 800 casino workers and has called on the House Finance Committee to pass a Tanzi bill to ensure its members can work in a safe environment. The Finance Committee of the House of Representatives has recommended that the bill be carried out while further studies are conducted.
The Public Health and Safety in the Workplace Act prohibits smoking in most enclosed public places in Rhode Island, such as bars, restaurants, retail stores, sports arenas, schools, and shopping centers.
New Jersey casino workers are also pushing for a smoking ban in Atlantic City casinos. The state is in a similar position to Rhode Island, in that casinos are also the main exception to the state’s smoking ban. Legislation is currently pending on the matter, with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy already committed to signing the bill into law if it reaches his office.
