Wisconsin GOP lawmaker wants casino smoking ban

Monday, June 22, 2009  

A Wisconsin Republican says tribal casinos should ban smoking.

The state's ban on smoking in public places goes into effect in July 2010. State Rep. Dean Kaufert (R) said it should include Indian Country.

"It's a fairness issue," Kaufert told Gannett Wisconsin Media. "A statewide ban should truly be a statewide ban. There shouldn't be pockets where people don't have to comply with the state."

Some tribes are already addressing smoking at their facilities. But they say the issue should be resolved in the tribal-state compact.

"The tribes have gaming compacts that address this issue," Oneida Nation spokesperson Bobbi Webster said.

Get the Story:
Ban smoking in casinos, legislator says (Gannett Wisconsin Media 6/22)