The Indiana Senate will soon take up a statewide smoking ban. The bill passed the Indiana Senate Policy Committee on an 8-2 vote Wednesday, following the measure’s passage in the House. The smoking ban contains numerous exemptions, including those for casinos and private clubs.
Both supporters and opponents of the ban say the exemptions amount to bad policy, but the bill’s authors say the current measure is the best they could do given Indiana’s political atmosphere and the gaming industry’s legislative clout.
In addition to casinos, those exempted from the smoking ban include racetrack slots parlors, off-track betting locations, tobacco stores, hookah bars, and private clubs such as VFW halls.