Smoking a deal breaker for Soo Tribe off-reservation casino

Tuesday, March 27, 2012  

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians insisted on allowing smoking at its proposed off-reservation casino in Lansing, Michigan, according to Mayor Virg Bernero.

Smoking is barred in public places in Michigan. But the law doesn't apply to Indian Country, because the state lacks jurisdiction, and at state-licensed gaming facilities, because lawmakers carved out an exception.

Still, Bernero wanted the proposed $245 million Kewadin Lansing Casino to be smoke-free. However, he relented after the tribe said it was a deal-breaker.

"My motto is don't let perfect become the enemy of good," Bernero said on a public television show, MLive.Com reported.

Get the Story:
Lansing casino would be exempt from state smoking ban (MLive 3/26)

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Editorial: City makes right decision on Soo Tribe casino plan (3/21)