Smoking Bans Increase in U.S. but Illinois Reconsiders

Half of the states in the United States now have a ban on smoking in public places, according to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC) on Thursday. The CDC projects a smoking ban could be in effect in all 50 states by 2020.

The smoking ban prohibits smoking in indoor areas of private sector work sites, restaurants and bars. According to a study by the CDC, the indoor workplace areas are places where people can be exposed to secondhand smoke for extended periods of time. Second hand smoke is associated with disease, including cancer and respiratory disease.

While the rest of the nation is becoming more proactive in protecting people from the hazards of secondhand smoke, Illinois is reconsidering their ban on smoking in public places. They are starting with the gambling casinos, but there are suggestions that they are considering lifting restrictions in places like VFW halls and other public places.

The Illinois ban on smoking in public places has been like a breath of fresh air. Patrons have been able to go into restaurants and other businesses without suffering the miseries of secondhand smoke. Exposure to secondhand smoke is uncomfortable and can cause sickness, resulting in countless sick days and lost productivity.

The current legislation in Illinois may loosen up the ban, according to Smoke Free Illinois. They are starting with legislation to lift the ban in casinos. trying to make the case that the Illinois casinos are losing money to neighboring states because the gambling casinos across the state borders all smoking on the casino floor.

Bill sponsor Daniel Burke, a Democrat from Chicago, is making a case that Illinois has lost revenue in excess of $800 million because people cannot smoke in Illinois casinos when they gamble, according to an article in the S-J Register. Burke alleges that casino customers travel to neighboring states to gamble, so that the revenue is being lost to other states.

Burke's $800 million figure itself has been called into question by Kathy Drea, vice president of the American Lung Association. Drea stated that when the bill was introduced, Burke cited a $300 million revenue loss and has increased it to $800 million.

Opponents of the bill are concerned that the heath costs associated with disease caused by cigarette smoke will not be offset by the revenue gain from allowing in smoking. The bill is a signal that Illinois is open to loosening the restrictions in other public places.

Bill 1965 was passed by the Illinois House on March 29, 2011. The bill is not going to the Illinois Senate. If the Senate approves it, the bill will become law and Illinois will be less smoke free. The door will be opened for loosening the restrictions on smoking in other public places.