State can’t live by their own rules
I can see both sides to the smoking ban debate. I do not care for the nanny-state result of this ban, with government looking out for our best interests. But I also know smoking is harmful and avoiding it at all costs is probably a good thing.
However, if the state is going to subject its citizens to a smoking ban, shouldn’t state-owned casinos be part of the ban? Why the exclusion? Is smoking bad or not? Why is it banned for everyone but their own business operations?
This is like a librarian constantly telling kids to learn to read, but then going home and playing video games on XBox all night. Or a PE teacher making the kids run extra laps, while they themselves are obese.
I think the legislature needs to look at this again next year. Either allow smoking in private businesses who want to allow it, or ban it at statewide casinos and private clubs too. In my opinion, state legislation shouldn’t allow one business a competitive advantage over another.
I guess I can see allowing it in private clubs because if you don’t like the smoking don’t join…that one is kind of 50/50 to me but I completely agree that state run casino’s should be no smoking. I’m not up on all that stuff (even though I like gambling, just don’t have the money to lose) so I didn’t realize we had state run casino’s here…I thought they were all run by reservations…I learn something new here everyday.
Dawn
I think Dodge City is the only state-run casino that has opened up. Remember a couple years ago or so, it was a big deal in the legislature on whether or not to allow the development of 3-4 state-run casinos? I think the project has been much slower than they expected. I think there is supposed to be two others built near KC and Wichita. Maybe a fourth. Can’t remember.
I believe in smoking bans in hospitals, and other health care facilities, and also in schools. As for busiinesses, they should have the right to choose, and likewise, the customer has the right to refuse to do business with that establishment. I don’t like any more government involvement than is absolutely necessary, and believe that our government has become unmanageable as it is. It could be posted on the front door and in ads as to whether or not the business allows smoking. Hopefully, the people would realize what a hazard smoking is and quit on their own for their own best interest, but I don’t think it should be mandated to them. JMHO
Ground broke this spring on the Turn Two Casino at the NASCAR Track in Kansas City. I don’t think it is technically state run, but does fall under the state and would benefit from this exclusionary clause.
Yeah! for my property values! Or booh for my taxes!
I guess that my concern on this issue is that there are plenty of people out there that own their business, have paid for it, and pay taxes on it. They should be able to decide what goes on inside of their business.
My father is 94, goes to his body shop and smokes his pipe. He built the actual building with his own two hands in 1946. This was after he fought in WWII for everyone’s freedom. He still owns this business and I suppose that according to this new law, he should not smoke in it. SHHHHHHHHH!!! Don’t tell the government. I’d like to be in there about the time some official came in and told him to put his pipe out. I think I know where dad would put it!!
That would be fun to see Connie!!!
I totally agree with Connie and Dixie. Plus Dan you are correct… seems the State of Kansas has set a double standard here. Privately owned businesses can not allow smoking in their establishments BUT State owned casinos do allow smoking in them? Okay…..what brillant political mind wrote this bill in the first place? And were all of the State legislators asleep in their offices that day when this bill was voted upon?