“We take issue with casinos potentially receiving such relief funding, (which) is necessitated by a pandemic involving respiratory issues, while still permitting an activity – indoor smoking – that promotes the spread of COVID-19,” Cynthia Hallett, CEO of the Berkley, California-based Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, wrote in the letter. In a letter to AGA CEO Bill Miller that was delivered Thursday, the organization didn’t dispute that the gaming industry was deserving of federal tax relief, admitting that casino operators have been hit hard financially by the coronavirus pandemic that closed nearly 1,000 commercial and tribal casinos in 43 states for several months earlier this year.
trade organization’s semi-annual board meeting, scheduled for Friday. The largest advocacy group in the nation that seeks to ban smoking in casinos said Thursday operators should be denied any federal COVID-19 relief funds unless the gaming industry goes smoke-free.Īmericans for Nonsmokers’ Rights took that message to the American Gaming Association ahead of the Washington D.C. Advocacy group wants casinos to ban indoor smoking or be exempt from COVID-19 relief funds
