30 Jun

Study Documents Reduction in 911 Calls After Casino Anti-Smoking Law

The effects of long-term exposure to secondhand smoke have been researched extensively, but new research points to dramatically adverse effects resulting from immediate exposure as well. Casinos are some of the final establishments to remain unaffected by smoking bans. Some regulate smoking to particular parts of the casino, while others allow smoking throughout. Both systems expose patrons to high levels of secondhand smoke.

This study documented the amount of emergency ambulance calls in Gilpin County, Colorado before and after introduction of anti-smoking laws. The county first banned smoking in all public establishments except casinos. Emergency calls from all public spaces aside from casinos dropped dramatically. The rate of calls from casinos remained the same. After a further ban that then included casinos was enforced, the rate of calls from casinos also dropped suddenly and dramatically.

It is clear that there is some correlation between immediate health risks and secondhand smoke exposure. This new research provides yet another set of anti smoking facts that cannot be ignored.

Get the FULL STORY HERE via Philly.com.

Stephen Barth
Stephen Barth Stephen Barth, an attorney, professor, and author of Hospitality Law, Intelligent Emotions: On Self Responsibility, Owning Our Emotional Power and Changing Our Reactions, and co-author of Restaurant Law Basics, is well-versed in the world of hospitality law. Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Houston, Conrad N. Hilton College, he was an adjunct professor at Texas Tech University. With over twenty years of experience in hospitality operations, including line positions, management, and ownership, Professor Barth is a regular guest speaker covering a variety of issues for national, regional, and local industry associations and businesses. Professor Barth is a member of a select group of instructors worldwide designated by the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association to instruct its Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE) program. Recently, he has been quoted in many national publications including Hotel News Now, Leisure & Hospitality International, USA Today, Successful Meetings, NBC News, and the Los Angeles Times.