Lawmakers have approved legislation that will eliminate the Rhode Island casino smoking exemption which has allowed indoor smoking on gaming floors. The new measure amends the state’s Public Health and Workplace Safety Act to include casinos, requiring them to become smoke-free by July 1, 2027. The bill, sponsored by Representative V. Susan Sosnowski, allows casinos to construct enclosed, separately ventilated smoking rooms where no gaming will take place. The move comes after years of debate, with casino workers and health advocates pushing for equal workplace protections. The Rhode Island casino smoking legislation includes a phased timeline to give casino operators…

For years now, casino smoking in New Jersey has been allowed while anti-smoking advocates faced a tough road in their fight against the practice. There is a state wide ban on lighting up in a public places or work spaces, but there is an exemption for casinos. In fact, all across the country casinos tend to get a pass on this issue. But changing attitudes could put an end to that. The Smoke-Free Air Act was passed back in 2006, but now one of the original authors of that legislation is petitioning to have the casino carve out removed. Loretta…