Wednesday, June 10 2009
By Brian Chan,
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National figures show revenue declining by double digits at casinos when smoking privileges are withdrawn.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.
