Bill would expand smoking ban in Pennsylvania

A Pennsylvania legislative committee is reviewing legislation that would ban smoking – including the use of e-cigarettes – in the state’s bars, clubs, and casinos.

Currently, smoking is allowed in those venues due to loopholes included in Pennsylvania’s Clean Indoor Air Act which was passed in 2008.

Unveiled during a news conference in Harrisburg, House Bill 1657 sponsor Dan Frankel says the legislation would protect Pennsylvania’s casino, bar, and private club workers from exposure to secondhand smoke.

“Fifteen years ago, this commonwealth took an enormous step forward in ensuring that our workers are not forced to breathe in toxic smoke – it’s time to finish the job,” Frankel, D-Allegheny, said.

According to Frankel, a study released by the National Institutes of Health soon after the Clean Indoor Air Act took effect found that the projected rate of deaths caused by secondhand smoke among nonsmoking casino workers was 5 times the death rate from mining disasters.

Studies also show that smoke-free policies are good for business according to supporters of the bill.

“Parx Casino and Greenwood Gaming & Entertainment are leading the charge with smoke-free venues and industry-leading profits. This isn’t just a local trend – casinos across the nation, from the Las Vegas strip to tribal gaming venues, are embracing smoke-free policies,” said Jennifer Rubolino, co-founder of CEASE PA.

In addition to eliminating loopholes in the Clean Indoor Air Act, the legislation would expand the definition of smoking to add e-cigarettes and give localities the ability to enact smoke-free ordinances that are more protective than state law.

The bill is currently being reviewed by the PA House Health Committee, and a companion bill has been introduced in the Senate.