Detroit casinos want smoke ban exemption

DETROIT, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- A proposed Michigan smoking ban is getting opposition from those who want an exemption for Detroit's non-tribal gambling casinos, politicians say.

The statewide ban on smoking in all workplaces, including bars and restaurants, is moving through the state Legislature, but the request for a casino exemption remains a sticking point, the Detroit Free Press reported Monday.

The casinos say a ban would cost them tens of millions of dollars, as customers would go where smoking is allowed, like tribal casinos elsewhere in the state that are not subject to smoking bans.

Approaching a long holiday break, the Legislature is under pressure to act on the issue that has been stalemated for more than 10 years, the Free Press said.

"It's an emotional, important issue. They want it done," Rep. Bert Johnson, D-Highland Park, said. Johnson wants Detroit's casinos exempt from any smoking ban.

Michigan is one of 13 states with no general smoking ban, although the state forbids smoking in state workplaces, the newspaper said.