A state lawmaker is pushing for a smoking ban in casinos and private clubs.
State Rep. Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) is introducing a bill that would amend the Clean Indoor Air Act, which banned smoking in most public places and workplaces in 2008. Portions of casinos, certain bars and private clubs are exempt from the smoking ban.
Even though the law allows smoking on certain parts of the gaming floor, Frankel says the smoke is far-reaching.
"If you go into the Rivers Casino for instance, you can smell the smoke immediately. It doesn't matter where you are. It's pervasive."
Frankel said he has heard from casino workers across the state who are tired of working in a smoker-friendly environment.
He believes those workers are putting their health at risk.
"What we've heard from employees at these casinos is that they're being sickened by it. They're disturbed by being exposed to second-hand smoke, which we all know is a major cause of cancers and heart disease."
Along with amending the Clean Indoor Air Act, Frankel's bill would also include e-cigarettes in the definition of smoking and give localities the ability to enact smoke-free ordinances that are stronger than state law.