Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is leading another effort to phase out smoking at the state's casinos. While there are legitimate issues of tribal sovereignty involved in this issue, I hope the Mohegans and Mashantucket Pequots will step up to the plate and institute their own ban on smoking. It is a public health issue, especially for casino workers exposed to the dangers of second-hand smoke for prolonged periods. They don't have a choice now. I remember when Dunkin' Donuts started a chainwide ban on smoking. People who came to Dunkin' for a caffeine/sugar/nicoteine combo somehow managed to cope without the latter, and business is as brisk as ever. Who would have thought bars could survive smoke-free? Most bars survived, even with the unfair loophole allowing private clubs to let their clientele light up. Will Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun take a hit at a tough time in the economy? Perhaps, but it is the right thing to do. It will not affect business very much in the long term if the examples of other public places prove valid. UPDATE: Attorney General Blumenthal called in to the Wakeup Club this week (2/25) to discuss his stand against casino smoking. He agreed with my contention that the tribes should take the initiative in banning smoking, but elaborated on his plans to pursue legal action.
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