"What once promised to be a breakthrough for Michigan's anti-smoking advocates now appears to be another setback. Proposed state legislation to ban smoking -- at restaurants, bars, cigar bars and casinos -- has encountered another obstacle.

The state Senate's approval of the ban earlier this month was a welcome surprise. The Republican chamber long had resisted a workplace smoking ban that included restaurants and bars. The change of heart brought promise Michigan finally could adopt this important public health protection.

Not so fast. Some House Democrats object to the proposed ban's application to casinos and cigar bars. A smoking prohibition would put Detroit's three casinos at a disadvantage. Gamblers would go to Indian-operated casinos where a statewide smoking ban couldn't be enforced.

Sadly, both parties are playing politics. By agreement with the House, the Senate's bill was supposed to exempt casinos from the ban. Since it doesn't, both chambers are left to salvage the legislation. If it isn't passed Democrats and Republicans can trade blame for the bill's demise."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Lansing can't shrink from smoking ban (The Port Huron Times Herald 5/27)