Should Casinos be allowed to permit smoking in Iowa?

The Monday, December 1, 2008 edition of The Des Moines Register featured an article titled Illinois Smoking Ban Benefits Clinton Casino. For more on the issue of smoking bans, read Institute Brief: A Smoking Ban in Iowa: By Government Force or Market Forces?

"I play the video games here and a little blackjack, and this is a real nice
facility. I just have a problem with people smoking. ... I have to go out
coughing. My eyes are burning," said Bob Paasch, a Clinton-area resident and former bar
owner.

Mr. Paasch told the Register that he has called Gov. Chet Culver's office to complain. Is the Governor listening?

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Enjoying the Fresh Air in Iowa after the Smoke-Free Air Act

We may not have the mountains or the ocean that the State of California has, but at least the State of Iowa has joined California, New York City and much of Europe, in making restaurants and bars smoke free on July 1st. It was a joy celebrating a family birthday outside without cigarette smoke blowing in the air. We ate at Granite City this past weekend and it was certainly a breath of fresh air.

Secondhand smoke is a public health problem. The State of Iowa was right to introduce the Smoke-Free Air Act. Employees and customers will be safer from the dangers of secondhand smoke in the workplace and in the community. OSHA has its place and so does the forbidding smoking in the workplace.

Today, a judge ruled he would not overturn the Iowa smoking ban.

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