On July 1, 2008, the Iowa Smokefree Air Act took effect. It was simple, the law banned smoking in most public indoor spaces, including such businesses as bars and restaurants, in the entire state of Iowa.

Casinos, however, are exempt. For some reason our elected officials gave the gaming industry a pass here in the Hawkeye State. I never thought it was right and it's very unfair to other businesses. I mean, what makes a casino so special that the rules can be changed for them?

I get that it's a "deal" with the state, but the rules should be the same across the board. What if you owned a bar in Riverside, just down the street from the casino. Your patrons aren't allowed to smoke at your location, but they can light up two miles down the road at the casino?

And by the way, the Iowa Smoke-Free Air Act was instituted to protect workers from second hand smoke. So why can't casino employees have the same rights as someone that works down the street?

Again, it's not fair. But you have to remember, it's a "mobbed up" deal and I'm guessing it will never change. But if you think about it, now is the best time for someone to take a stand and get this fixed.

Right now, we're all worried about staying healthy. COVID-19 is in the news every hour, and we wash our hands at least 10 times a day. We all know second hand smoke is a killer, and people are getting sick every day.

And think about the elderly population in the casinos trying to double up their social security check. These folks are constantly breathing in that second hand smoke. It's not right and something needs to be done.

After COVID-19 hit,  I figured Riverside or the Isle in Waterloo would just do it on their own. They shouldn't need to be told to do this, just do it.  If one property made the change, I think the rest will follow.

I get that smoking, drinking and gambling all go together, but come on, It's 2020. Let's wake up and get the cancer sticks out of the casinos in Iowa.

I smoked for 20 years, even when I was a smoker this puzzled me that casinos were exempt. I'm not against smoking or smokers rights.....I just think smoking should be done outside, that's all.

Let me know what you think, comment below and we can discuss.

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