PA Smoking Ban Could Expand To Casinos, Bars Under New Bill

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania's statewide smoking ban could expand to casinos, bars and clubs under a new bill introduced by Democratic legislators Wednesday.

At a news conference, House Health Committee Majority Chairman Dan Frankel unveiled the new legislation — also known as House Bill 1657 — that, if passed, would ban smoking and vaping in bars, clubs and casinos that currently allow it due to loopholes in the state's Clean Indoor Air Act passed in 2008.

"Fifteen years ago, this commonwealth took an enormous step forward in ensuring that our workers are not forced to breathe in toxic smoke — it's time to finish the job," Frankel said.

He continued, "Pennsylvania's workers should not have to sacrifice their health for a paycheck, but the data shows that's exactly what's happening."

Currently, smoking is banned in public places and workplaces including restaurants, schools, health care facilities, public transportation and recreational facilities. In its current form, the Clean Indoor Air Act allows exemptions for places like tobacco and cigar shops, drinking establishments and casino gaming floors.

In Wednesday's announcement, Frankel cited a National Institutes of Health study that found the projected rate of deaths caused by secondhand smoke among non-smoking casino workers was five times that of those killed in mining disasters. He also noted a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study that found smoke-free laws and policies do not have an adverse economic effect on the hospitality industry.

According to a release, HB 1657 — or the Protecting Workers from Secondhand Smoke Act — would also allow cities to enact stricter smoke-free ordinances than state law.

The Pennsylvania House Health Committee is currently reviewing the bill, and a companion bill has been introduced in the Senate.