Connecticut AG wants tribes to ban smoking at casinos

Tuesday, February 10, 2009  

Connecticut attorney general Richard Blumenthal (D) proposed legislation to ban smoking at the two tribal casinos in the state.

The bill would require the Mohegan Tribe and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation to gradually phase out smoking at their facilities. A complete ban would be in effect by October 2011.

Blumenthal has argued that the tribes must comply with a state law that bans smoking in public places. He said the tribal-state gaming compact requires the casinos to meet health standards at least as stringent as the state's.

The tribes said the issue should be negotiated. The Mohegans agreed to limit smoking under an agreement with Gov. Jodi Rell (R), who won't support Blumenthal's bill, a spokesperson said.

Get the Story:
Blumenthal: Casino smoking must stop (The Norwich Bulletin 2/10)
Blumenthal Renews Bid To Ban Smoking At Casinos (The Hartford Courant 2/10)
Smoking Ban Seen Unlawful By Tribes (The New London Day 2/10)