Colorado casinos become smoke-free
21st December, 2007
Revellers enjoying the last day of 2007 with a spot of poker or blackjack will need to stub out their cigarettes once the count down is up or could face being fined.
However, anti-smoking groups are concerned that the rules do not go far enough, as smokers in some cities will be allowed to light up within inches of the casino door – whereas in others they need to stand 15 feet away.
"It simply means nothing. People can smoke right at doorways and the smoke will basically go back into the casino," Stephanie Steinberg, with Smoke Free Gaming, told CBS.com.
But a smoker told the website: "One inch or 15 feet, you're still outside."
The news is being welcomed by many casino employees who are currently having to endure thick smoke in one of the last public places in the state where lighting up is still legal.
One casino worker told CBS.com that the smell of smoke "bothers me" as they "quit smoking in August".
