Connecticut Attorney General's Office

Press Release

Attorney General Disappointed By Defeat Of Casino Smoking Ban Bill, Will Fight On

May 12, 2009

"I am disappointed by defeat of this prudent compromise, balancing the health needs of employees and patrons with concerns about competitive economic realities. The bill is consistent with the compacts, the slot revenue agreement and tribal sovereignty.

"Far from abandoning this fight, I will seek support for other means to achieve legislative approval for the ban. I will continue battling to ban smoking at the casinos, protecting workers and customers from the deadly effects of secondhand smoke. Studies show that passive smoke is as poisonous as smoking itself, making vital an eventual total ban. Half measures, such as filtering systems and partial prohibitions, are inadequate and unacceptable.

"My office will be alert in the session's remaining weeks for any opportunity to revive the casino smoking ban. I hope to work with the tribal nations in broadening their welcome voluntary bans."