LAWMAKERS OFFER JAN. 1 COMPROMISE DATE TO BAN CASINO SMOKING
State lawmakers are considering banning smoking in casinos
starting Jan. 1 - giving casinos six more months to prepare for
the change.
Negotiators for the House and Senate agreed Friday on the
compromise date to extend the statewide smoking ban to cover
casinos. It still must be approved by the full House and
Senate.
The House voted earlier to include casinos in the ban starting
July 1, but the Senate wanted to delay the start for another
year.
Representatives of both chambers agreed Friday to wait until New
Year's Day at 8 a.m. - allowing gamblers to ring in 2008 while
still smoking.