Thu, Nov 20 2008
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Published July 08, 2008 07:37 am - Question of the Week: Is it fair or unfair for casinos to be exempt from the smoking ban? By DUANE NOLLEN The Oskaloosa Herald OSKALOOSA — A vast majority of those readers who answered this past week’s Question of the Week: Was the Supreme Court right to strike down the Washington, D.C., gun ban? answered YES. Twenty-nine — 70.73 percent — answered YES while 11 — 26.83 percent — said NO and one — 2.44 percent replied DON’T CARE. The Question of the Week poll is not scientific and only reflects the opinions of those Internet users who have chosen to participate. The Question of the Week is just another way the Herald’s readers can voice their opinions about issues that affect them. This week’s Question of the Week deals with the new statewide smoking ban. The statewide ban on smoking in public places went into effect Tuesday and “no smoking” signs have gone up on the doors of bars, public places and businesses around Iowa. Gov. Chet Culver said in a statement that studies show second-hand smoke kills about 500 Iowans each year. He said that’s why lawmakers passed the ban, the Associated Press reported. “I understand there are compelling arguments against this bill, but the bottom line is this bill will save lives, plain and simple,” Culver said. His office has said the governor would have preferred a statewide ban with no exemptions. Cynthia Hallett, executive director of Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, a lobbying organization based in Berkeley, Calif., said 13 states including Iowa now have smoking bans in workplaces, restaurants and bars, the AP reported. A schedule of fines gives the ban some teeth — the fine for an individual smoking in a restricted area is $50. The first offense for a business is $100; the second, $200; subsequent violations, $500. Tobacco and alcohol permits also could be pulled for non-compliant businesses. If an employee is fired for making a complaint, the fine is $10,000. What has smoke coming out of bar owners and smokers’ ears is that casino gaming floors are exempt from the ban, but bars and veterans’ halls are included in the ban. Is that fair? What do you think? This week’s Question of the Week: Is it fair or unfair for casinos to be exempt from the smoking ban? Your choices: FAIR or UNFAIR. People can vote on The Herald’s Web site, oskaloosa.com, from Monday through noon on Friday. Then, votes will be tallied and published the following Monday. 
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