Clearing The Air

Atlantic City politicians reconsider smoking ban......fearing it will damage their economy

City Councilmam Marty Small has discussed postponing the ban until the economy is stronger and more prepared to deal with the negative effects. He said,"We have to do what is in the best interests of Atlantic City as a whole. Casinos pay eighty percent of our taxes and provide thousands of jobs for city residents." ......Illinois casinos have suffered major losses in revenue after imposing state-regulated smoking bans, and Colorado casinos have defied new state laws demanding smoking be forbidden, while they search for legal loopholes. Meanwhile, online casino membership grows. More here.

It's refreshing to see a pro-smoking ban politician take the side of our economy and the livelihoods of thousands of people over the Nicoderm interests who funded smoking ban efforts for purely financial motives.

I can tell you from personal experience that smoking bans preceeded and indeed caused our current financial meltdown.

posted by marcus aurelius @ 9:11 AM