Mohegan Tribe calls casino smoking ban 'devastating'

Wednesday, May 6, 2009  

The Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut says a ban on smoking at its casino would have "devastating" impacts.

A study says the tribe will be forced to lay off as many as 4,000 people from Mohegan Sun. Revenues would drop by more than $180 million a year, according to the tribe.

“Patrons who smoke will take their business to other states, if a ban is approved in Connecticut, and revenues could drop up to 20 percent," Mohegan Sun CEO Mitchell Etess wrote in a letter to lawmakers, The New London Day reported. "There will be layoffs, and a cascading loss of business to us and our vendors.”

The tribe already agreed to restrict smoking at the casino and says the bill threatens its sovereignty.

Get the Story:
Casino: Smoking Ban Would Be 'Devastating' (The New London Day 5/6)
Study: Ban on smoking would cost casino jobs (The Norwich Bulletin 5/6)