Washington Indian Tribes to Consider Limiting Smoking in Casinos

SEATTLE, Washington - as reported by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer: "Citing what she calls ‘pretty egregious impacts' of cigarette smoke to the health of Native American women and youth, Gov. Christine Gregoire has quietly asked the state's Indian tribes to turn their casinos into tobacco-free zones.

“The governor's request was received respectfully at a dinner she held for Indian leaders in Olympia last month. They promised to take it up with tribal governments.

“‘It is on the agenda,' said W. Ron Allen, chairman of the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe and president of the Washington Indian Gaming Association.

“‘It sounds like (tribes) will be willing to cut (smoking) back and restrict it to certain areas,' Allen added. ‘It is a big issue to us. In our case, all our restaurants -- there are two -- are smoke-free. The cabaret will be smoke free. The issue is the casino.'

“Under Initiative 901, which took effect Thursday, cigarettes are off-limits in bars, public places and card rooms. Indian casinos, which are not subject to state law, are the only public places where smoking is still permitted….”