COVID- 19 situations has pushed Pennsylvania casinos to make gaming floors smoke-free.
The state already has Clean Indoor Air Act of 2008 in place, which provides for steps to be taken to make the indoor air smoke free. The Act, however, makes exception to certain places such as alcohol stores, casinos, bars, private residence, private social clubs etc.
The casino staff has urged to prioritize public health and safety and their own safety over this recreational activity.
The casinos have also garnered local support to make the indoor-air of casinos smoke free, which might become a permanent feature.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) had earlier allowed certain casinos to re-open based on data that suggested decline in corona virus cases. However, the board had placed stringent safety protection regulations to ensure no COVID cases including wearing of mask in public places. This regulation cannot make an exception to allow smoking.
PGCB spokesperson Doug Harbach, stated that, “…in reading that order, it became evident that there were very few exceptions to where a mask must be worn, and that there was no exception to pulling down the mask in order to smoke”.
The casinos in Pennsylvania have reportedly been complying with the order.