PENNSYLVANIA BARS GET A BOOST - Euroslot - the independent voice of the amusement and gambling industry

PENNSYLVANIA BARS GET A BOOST

Published: 13 January, 2009

Although a statewide smoking ban took effect in Pennsylvania on September 111, more than 1,700 taverns have been granted exemptions, according to the commonwealth's Department of Health. Governor Ed Rendell reluctantly signed the Clean Indoor Air Act last June - accepting the bill's exemption language to gain enough votes for passage. He favoured fewer exemptions, but has admitted that the law is "succeeding... by a wide margin" in protecting citizens from secondhand smoke.

Pennsylvania's smoking ban offers exemptions to taverns that derive 80% or more of sales from non-food sales. That should include coin-operated amusement and vending equipment. Smoking is banned in most public spaces and offices, including restaurants and sports stadiums.

Local press outlets said more exemptions may be given to bar/restaurants with separate entrances for the respective bar and restaurant zones. Conversely, some smoking-ban proponents predict that the legislature will pass tougher regulations next year.

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