Connecticut bill bans smoking at tribal casinos

Friday, March 20, 2009  

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe say a bill that requires them to ban smoking at their casinos infringes on their sovereignty.

The tribes plan to discuss the issue with the state on government-to-government basis. Imposing state law on them isn't the way to go, they said.

”Our objection to the proposed legislation is not about issues related to secondhand smoke, but the proposed infringement by the Connecticut General Assembly on our sovereignty,” Mohegan Chairman Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum said. "The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation will challenge such law," the tribe said in a statement.

The Mohegans have already proposed to limit smoking at Mohegan Sun under an agreement with the state. The Pequots hope to do the same at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

The bill, which could come up for a vote next week, calls for a complete ban on smoking at tribal casinos by October 1, 2011.

Get the Story:
Push for smoking ban at casinos is possible test for sovereignty issue (The New London Day 3/20)