(Des Moines, IA) — Smoking has been banned in public places in Iowa since 2008, but there’s been an exception that has allowed smoking in the gaming areas of Iowa casinos. Democratic Senator Janet Petersen of Des Moines notes the state’s tribal casinos and some state-licensed casinos temporarily moved to ban smoking to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Petersen says that may be one silver lining of the pandemic and “it is time for the legislature to just put that policy in place.” She chaired the Iowa House Commerce Committee in 2008 and led the effort to pass the Iowa Smokefree Act.
But Iowa Gaming Association C-E-O Wes Ehrecke says “casinos probably have some of the best filtration and ventilation systems around. We have to accommodate both smokers and non-smokers in a very acceptable and quality indoor environment and we do that.” Ehrecke claims it’s not a workplace safety issue — and he says adults should be allowed to make adult decisions in adult venues.
