I am shocked that more business owners, politicians, or individuals are not throwing an absolute fit over the new smoking ban that started May 1. Not for the ban itself, but for the exemptions. What makes casinos any different than other businesses? They’re public places where both patrons and workers are exposed to secondhand smoke.

The law was passed to prevent smoking in places that serve food and drinks. The last time I was in a casino, they did both. Nick Derusha of the LMAS Health Department said the goal is to reduce secondhand smoke to patrons and service workers. I worked in a casino for nine years and, believe me, there is no place on earth to find more smokers.

Here’s a scenario: I have dinner at Northern Lights Restaurant, good food, great dinner, and no smoking. Then I go the Driftwood Bar to have a drink, watch a game on the big screen, another good time and still no smoking. Finally I sit at a slot machine at the casino and there’s a cigar stogie on my left and a chain smoker on my right. What good does that law pose for me there? Why should I be exposed to secondhand smoke in this business? This law couldn’t be more contradictory if it tried. If it applies to one business, it should apply to all.

Christopher Zagar

St. Ignace

Editor’s Note: Indian tribes are protected as soverign nations and casinos on reservations are not covered by the Michigan smoking law. The non-Indian casinos in the rest of the state can permit smoking because Michigan politicians were convinced by them that they would have trouble competing against Indian facilities, or those in neighboring states and countries, if they didn’t allow smoking. Comments about smoking in casinos here can be addressed to the tribal board.