Ontario Casino Smoking Issue Unresolved

As reported by the Durham Region News: "A decision on whether the Great Blue Heron Charity Casino will comply with new provincial rules and ban smoking within the Scugog Island gaming house remains unanswered.

"With new provincial legislation to ban smoking in all public places set to kick in on May 31, the Scugog Island casino has yet to announce its intentions, a delay that has some employees at the gambling facility worried.

"…Passed into law last June, the Smoke-Free Ontario Act prohibits smoking in all workplaces and enclosed public places, including restaurants, bars, schools, private clubs, sports arenas, entertainment venues, work vehicles and offices. The legislation also toughens laws on tobacco sales.

"In recent weeks, union officials representing more then 700 employees have expressed concern over which direction the casino will take on the matter.

"…The majority of employees hope the casino complies with the new regulations, continued the employee, noting the matter is 'a serious health issue' in the eyes of union officials…"