Smoking will be banned in public housing nationwide at the end of the month. Public Housing Agencies have known since November 2016 the ban was coming.
The big news this week is the Supreme Court declaring the Evansville smoking ban in its current form, unconstitutional. I have my own thoughts on this smoking ban and all smoking bans for that matter in this week's Eric Says Bring It Back!
The big news of the week is that the Indiana State Supreme Court has overturned the Smokefree ordinance in Evansville. In a nutshell, they had an issue with the exemption that was extended to our riverboat casino.
In a 3-2 decision, the Indiana State Supreme Court has overturned the Evansville smoking ban that included bars and private clubs. Now, before you get all hot and bothered and think the smoking light is back on in your favorite restaurant and places like the Ford Center...it's not. This ruling primarily concerns the ban on bars and private clubs.
Evansville's smoking ban in bars and restaurants, coupled with casino Aztar's exemption from the ban is an ongoing controversy. It seems that smoking bans are extending further and further and could be extending to your homes, thanks to a new ban in California that prohibits smoking in condominiums, duplexes, apartments and other multi-family homes.
On February 13th, the Evansville City Council passed a smoking ban that included restaurants, bars and clubs which is scheduled to take effect April 1. It was determined the gaming floor at Casino Aztar would be exempt from the ban which had many crying foul.
This week Evansville Mayor, Lloyd Winnecke's task force looked over 600 different suggestions for the use of Roberts Stadium. They are now in the process of taking the public input and helping the mayor decide the fate of the building and the grounds it occupies. Now, from the home office in Nebo, KY...it's the Top 10 Rejected Ideas for Roberts Stadium!
The recently passed Evansville smoking ban excludes Casino Aztar. The smoking ban has been a hot button issue all over the country, not just here in Evansville. The big debate has been centered around bars and restaurants and many businesses have designated non-smoking areas, but because of the potential health risks of second-hand smoke, many feel it should be banned completely.
Evansville's existing smoking ordinance could get a lot tighter as a result of an ordinance that will be introduced to the City Council tonight. Both sides will be represented tonight by representatives of Casino Aztar and the local Smoke Free initiative.