Casino employees in Rhode Island still await the inauguration of a smoke-free work environment, as the prolonged period of smoke exposure persists.
In a surprising turn of events, a loophole in Rhode Island's casino smoking ban has left workers vulnerable to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. The loophole, which allows casinos to maintain smoking lounges, including enclosed areas like cigar bars, was introduced through an eleventh-hour amendment in Senate Bill 188 (SB 188), a bill aimed at closing the loophole[1][2].
Despite the bill's intention to extend smoke-free workplace protections to casinos, its implementation has been delayed until January 1, 2027[4]. This delay provides the casino industry with time to potentially influence further changes to the bill[1].
The continued existence of smoking lounges in casinos poses significant health risks to workers. Prolonged exposure to smoke-filled environments can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems[1]. Advocacy groups, such as Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE), have voiced concerns about the dignity and safety of casino workers, emphasizing the need for swift and comprehensive smoke-free policies[2].
Vanessa Baker, a casino worker who has spent 30 years in the industry, is one of those at risk. She emphasizes that their lungs can't wait 18 more months for the protections to take effect and expresses her concern that delaying protections until 2027 sends a message that their health is negotiable and it shouldn't be[3].
The loophole in Rhode Island's clean indoor air laws has been a source of concern for many. Casino workers are expected to gamble on their health and breathe toxic secondhand smoke for at least 18 more months[5]. The only casino currently with a smoking lounge is Lincoln, but nothing stops the opening of one in Tiverton[6].
CEASE, formed by casino workers themselves, has grown to thousands of members nationwide, advocating for smoke-free casino environments[7]. Baker, a member of CEASE, expresses her gratitude to workers, advocates, and legislators who pushed for smoking restrictions but emphasizes that the job isn't done and they won't stop fighting until lawmakers close the loophole and all workers are fully protected[8].
[1] https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/2022-06-24/ri-senate-passes-bill-to-ban-smoking-in-casinos-but-with-an-amendment-that-could-undermine-its-effectiveness/7142059001/ [2] https://www.casino.org/news/rhode-island-casino-workers-push-for-smoke-free-workplace-legislation/ [3] https://www.casino.org/news/ri-casino-worker-says-smoking-ban-delay-is-unacceptable/ [4] https://www.rilegislature.gov/Bill/Details/2022/2022-S0188 [5] https://www.casino.org/news/rhode-island-casino-workers-push-for-smoke-free-workplace-legislation/ [6] https://www.rilegislature.gov/Bill/Details/2022/2022-S0188 [7] https://www.casino.org/news/rhode-island-casino-workers-push-for-smoke-free-workplace-legislation/ [8] https://www.casino.org/news/ri-casino-worker-says-smoking-ban-delay-is-unacceptable/
The delay in implementing smoke-free workplace protections in Rhode Island's casinos until January 1, 2027, raises concerns about the employees' health, as prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke can lead to various health problems. Advocacy groups like Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) are pushing for immediate and comprehensive smoke-free policies, emphasizing the importance of health and wellness in the workplace, including fitness, exercise, and nutrition.
