Pennsylvania is moving closer to banning smoking in public spaces like casinos and bus stops. This week, the state House Health Committee approved a bill that targets these areas previously exempt from indoor smoking bans. The bill, known as the Protecting Workers From Secondhand Smoke Act, seeks to revise the 2008 Clean Indoor Air Act, which allowed exceptions for places like casinos, private clubs, and certain bars, leaving numerous workers exposed to harmful secondhand smoke. The new measure also aims to include e-cigarettes, which were not part of the original 2008 discussions.
Rep. Dan Frankel, a Democrat from Squirrel Hill and the bill’s sponsor, underscores the health and equality aspects of the proposal. He points out that only 20% of Pennsylvanians smoke, and he argues that visiting public spaces shouldn’t feel like traveling back to a time when the dangers of smoking were less understood.
Despite the proposed changes, smoking wouldn’t be entirely banned everywhere. Cigar bars, outdoor patios, and private home offices would remain exceptions. Private clubs could also continue to allow smoking, but members and staff would need to reevaluate and potentially renew this decision every two years.
The Health Committee supported the bill with a 22-4 vote, gathering bipartisan support. It also empowers cities and towns to enact stricter smoke-free laws, a prospect that public health advocates have been strongly promoting. Additionally, lawmakers overwhelmingly approved an amendment with a 25-1 vote to include bus stops in the list of smoke-free zones. The bill will now advance to the full House, though the schedule for a floor vote is uncertain.
Senator Jay Costa of Forest Hills has introduced a parallel bill in the Senate to ensure the proposal has multiple avenues for success. For Frankel, the issue transcends party lines. He argues forcefully that there is bipartisan agreement on the need for equal protection from smoke for casino workers and office workers alike.
The proposal is gaining traction as it heads toward full legislative debates. It has already drawn attention to casinos such as Parx Casino in Bucks County, the state’s leading gambling venue by revenue. Parx opted to ban smoking during the COVID-19 pandemic and has maintained this policy ever since. Marc Oppenheimer, the chief operating officer of Parx, noted that this decision boosted employee morale, reduced healthcare costs, and attracted more patrons who prefer a smoke-free environment.
Should the legislation pass, it would bring all Pennsylvania casinos in line with Parx’s forward-thinking approach. However, not everyone is convinced this is the right move. Some stakeholders argue that allowing smoking can be a competitive advantage for casinos, especially since not all patrons are non-smokers. They suggest that a ban might drive some customers away to neighboring states where smoking is still allowed in casinos.
Meanwhile, health advocates maintain that the health benefits far outweigh any potential economic drawbacks. They argue that the modern consumer is increasingly health-conscious and that businesses must evolve to meet these changing preferences. The debate continues as both sides prepare for further discussions in the coming weeks.
As Pennsylvania lawmakers work towards a smoke-free environment, the question remains whether they can balance public health with economic interests. With strong opinions on both sides, the outcome of this legislative effort will be closely watched not only by those in Pennsylvania but also by other states considering similar measures.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
